Incarnate Word (82) edged East Texas A&M (73) by nine points, a decisive margin that reflected the Cardinals' superior performance. The upset victory marked a significant win for the lower-ranked Cardinals, who moved ahead of the Lions in the NET rankings.
The first half saw East Texas A&M take a narrow lead, 39-43, while the second half was marked by a more balanced effort from both teams. Despite the close score at halftime, the Cardinals' advantage ultimately proved insurmountable for the Lions.
Incarnate Word's star player, junior guard Jordan Johnson, posted an impressive stat line: 32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. This performance eclipsed his season averages in every category, underscoring the exceptional nature of his outing. Johnson's efficiency and all-around impact were key factors in the Cardinals' victory, as he helped to neutralize the Lions' offense while also scoring at will.
Tahj Staveskie's performance was the primary catalyst for Incarnate Word's victory, as he scored a game-high 33 points on 10-21 shooting from the field, including 7-14 from beyond the arc. His efficiency from the free throw line, where he went 6-6, further underscored his impact on the game. Staveskie also contributed with 5 assists, showcasing his ability to facilitate his teammates' scoring opportunities.
Davion Bailey provided a reliable secondary scoring option, tallying 18 points on 6-9 shooting from the field and 2-5 from three-point range. His 4-4 performance from the free throw line demonstrated his ability to close out games effectively. Meanwhile, Harold Woods provided a strong all-around effort, scoring 14 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. His 5-6 shooting from the field and 1-1 mark from three-point range also highlighted his shooting prowess.
Noah Pagotto's 26 points were a bright spot for East Texas A&M, as he shot an impressive 11-14 from the field. However, his supporting numbers, particularly in the rebounding and assist categories, were somewhat subdued. His eight rebounds and one assist may have been insufficient to compensate for his team's overall defensive lapses. Pagotto's effort was commendable, but it ultimately fell short in the context of the game's outcome.
Ronnie Harrison's 18 points and six rebounds were not enough to propel East Texas A&M to victory, as his team's offense struggled to find consistent rhythm. Harrison's shooting percentages, particularly from beyond the arc, were less than stellar, and his inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities may have hindered his team's chances. Vinny Sigona's 15 points, all coming from beyond the arc, were a highlight for the team, but ultimately, his four assists were not enough to make a significant difference in the game's outcome.
Mihael Tomic's outing was notable for its marked improvement from his season averages, particularly on the glass, where he nearly quadrupled his rebounding average. His efficient shooting from both the field and the free throw line also contributed to his overall impact, as did his ability to stay out of foul trouble, a departure from his season trend of struggling to avoid being whistled for blocks. In contrast, Tay Mosher's performance fell short of expectations, particularly on the scoring end, where he was 1.6 points below his season average. However, he did excel in other areas, notching a career-high six assists, which suggests that his struggles on offense may have been a product of his team's overall game plan, rather than a personal issue.
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Final
While the pre-game prediction of a narrow Incarnate Word victory held true, the actual margin of victory was significantly wider than anticipated. The Cardinals' dominance on the glass and from beyond the arc proved decisive, as their high-powered offense was able to assert itself against a surprisingly porous East Texas A&M defense.
The key factors in Incarnate Word's convincing win were their ability to maintain a high level of shooting efficiency, particularly from three-point range, where they outperformed their season average by a considerable margin. Meanwhile, East Texas A&M's normally stout defense was left scrambling to contain the Cardinals' potent offense, which was fueled by a 17.3% increase in effective field goal percentage from their season average. Additionally, the Cardinals' ability to secure a significant advantage on the glass, despite a similar OREB rate to their season average, gave them a crucial edge in rebounding and second-chance opportunities.
The outcome of this game has significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament resumes. For Incarnate Word, this Quad 4 victory is a crucial addition to their profile, providing a much-needed win to boost their NET ranking. Although it won't dramatically alter their seeding prospects, it could potentially keep them in consideration for a 16-seed bid, depending on how other teams perform in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, East Texas A&M's loss in another Quad 4 game will likely hinder their chances of earning an at-large bid, and their now 0-8 Quad 2 record further diminishes their hopes of receiving a seed in the tournament. This defeat may ultimately seal their fate as a play-in game participant.