The Loyola University Maryland Greyhounds pulled off a stunning 83-73 upset over the Holy Cross Crusaders, defying their lower NET ranking of 325 compared to Holy Cross' 322. This 10-point victory not only shocked the crowd at Reitz Arena but also sent ripples through the tournament picture, potentially altering seed line implications for both teams. The win marked a significant turnaround for Loyola Maryland, who had been averaging 74.8 points per game over their last 5 matches, while allowing 74.2 points per game, resulting in a slim 0.6-point average margin. In their previous game, they had won 77-68 against American University, and this momentum seemed to carry over into this matchup. With 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, Braeden Speed led the charge for Loyola Maryland, setting the tone for the rest of the team. His performance was complemented by Emmett Adair's 24 points and Jordan Stiemke's 14 points, showcasing the team's depth and versatility. As the game progressed, it became clear that Loyola Maryland's strategy was to push the pace and exploit Holy Cross' weaknesses in transition, which they successfully did, outscoring them 53-46 in the second half.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with Loyola Maryland taking a 30-27 lead into the break. However, it was in the second half that they truly began to pull away, with Speed and Adair combining for 29 points in the period. Holy Cross, on the other hand, struggled to contain the duo, with their top performer, Gabe Warren, scoring 28 points but ultimately being unable to stem the tide. Warren's efforts were supported by Aiden Disu's 22 points and Tyler Boston's 15 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The Crusaders had been averaging 70.4 points per game over their last 5 matches, but their defense was breached repeatedly by Loyola Maryland's offense, which shot 49.2% from the field. As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that Loyola Maryland had made a statement, and their 11-16 record now looks more impressive in light of this upset victory. With this win, Loyola Maryland improved their record to 11-16, while Holy Cross fell to 9-18. The implications of this win are significant, and it will be interesting to see how it affects their tournament chances.
Loyola Maryland's Braeden Speed Scores Season-High 25 Points
Beyond the impressive stat lines, it's worth noting that Speed's performance was not just about the numbers; he hit several big shots, including a crucial three-pointer with 5:45 remaining to put Loyola Maryland up by 12. Adair, on the other hand, was virtually unstoppable in the second half, scoring 16 points and drawing numerous fouls to get to the line. For Holy Cross, Warren's 28 points were a reflection of his skill, but he received little support from his teammates, who shot a combined 36.4% from the field. Disu's 22 points were a bright spot, but he struggled to contain Speed and Adair on the defensive end. As the game wore on, it became clear that Loyola Maryland's depth and balance were too much for Holy Cross to handle. The Crusaders' recent form had been patchy, with a 1-4 record over their last 5 games, and this loss will only add to their woes. In contrast, Loyola Maryland's 3-2 record over their last 5 games suggests that they are finding their footing, and this win could be a turning point in their season.
The CHD Scout had predicted a 9-point victory for Loyola Maryland, and while the actual margin was 10 points, it's clear that the model correctly identified the key factors in this matchup.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The model's prediction was spot on, and it's likely due to the fact that it accounted for Loyola Maryland's recent trend of outscoring opponents by an average of 0.6 points per game. Additionally, the model likely recognized that Holy Cross has struggled to contain high-scoring offenses, allowing an average of 72.2 points per game over their last 5 matches. The model's accuracy is a reflection of its ability to identify key trends and patterns in the data, and it will be interesting to see how it performs in future matchups. With this win, Loyola Maryland has improved their chances of making a deep run in the tournament, and their recent form suggests that they are peaking at the right time. The Crusaders, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus if they want to turn their season around.
As the season enters its final stretch, this win could have real consequences for Loyola Maryland's tournament chances.
The Greyhounds' NET ranking of 325 is still a long way from the tournament bubble, but this win could potentially move them up a few spots. More importantly, it gives them a much-needed Quad 4 win, which could be crucial in evaluating their resume. For Holy Cross, the loss is a significant blow, as it drops them to 9-18 and makes their tournament hopes even more remote. The Crusaders' Quad 4 record is now 1-4, which will make it difficult for them to make a case for an at-large bid. As the tournament picture begins to take shape, it's clear that Loyola Maryland's win has real consequences for both teams. The Greyhounds want to build on this momentum, while the Crusaders must regroup and find a way to turn their season around. With 5 games remaining in the regular season, every matchup counts, and this win could be the catalyst for a strong finish to the season.
The trends and recent form of both teams played a significant role in this matchup. Loyola Maryland's ability to outscore opponents by an average of 0.6 points per game over their last 5 matches was a key factor, as was Holy Cross' struggles to contain high-scoring offenses. The Crusaders' 1-4 record over their last 5 games was a clear indication of their struggles, and this loss will only add to their woes. In contrast, Loyola Maryland's 3-2 record over their last 5 games suggests that they are finding their footing, and this win could be a turning point in their season. As the season enters its final stretch, it's clear that every matchup counts, and this win could have real consequences for both teams. The Greyhounds want to build on this momentum, while the Crusaders must regroup and find a way to turn their season around. With 5 games remaining in the regular season, the stakes are high, and every game matters in determining the tournament picture.
In the end, Loyola Maryland's 83-73 win over Holy Cross was a statement victory that could have real consequences for both teams. The Greyhounds' ability to outscore opponents by an average of 0.6 points per game over their last 5 matches was a key factor, as was Holy Cross' struggles to contain high-scoring offenses. As the season enters its final stretch, it's clear that every matchup counts, and this win could be the catalyst for a strong finish to the season. With 5 games remaining in the regular season, the stakes are high, and every game matters in determining the tournament picture. The Greyhounds want to build on this momentum, while the Crusaders must regroup and find a way to turn their season around. This win is a reflection of Loyola Maryland's resilience and determination, and it will be interesting to see how they finish the season.