In a shocking turn of events, Houston Christian pulled off a stunning upset over Incarnate Word, winning 81-75 at Sharp Gymnasium. Despite being ranked 56 spots lower in the net rankings, the Huskies dominated the second half, outscoring Incarnate Word 50-34 to secure the victory. This upset is a significant blow to Incarnate Word's tournament hopes, while Houston Christian's win gives them a much-needed boost.
Demari Williams was the star of the show for Houston Christian, scoring 24 points and grabbing 6 rebounds to lead his team to victory. He was supported by Trent Johnson, who added 20 points and 5 rebounds, and Demarco Bethea, who chipped in with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Incarnate Word's Jordan Pyke did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 27 points and pulling down 8 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Huskies' second-half surge.
The game got off to a rocky start for Houston Christian, as Incarnate Word took a 41-31 lead into halftime. However, the Huskies came out firing in the second half, using a 15-5 run to take the lead and never looking back. CHD Scout had predicted a narrow Houston Christian win, by 2.1 points, and while the margin was slightly larger than expected, the prediction ultimately proved correct.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The implications of this upset cannot be overstated. Incarnate Word, ranked 253 in the net rankings, was expected to handle Houston Christian, ranked 309, with ease. Instead, the Huskies' win gives them a crucial Quadrant 4 victory, while Incarnate Word is left to ponder what might have been. This loss could be a significant blow to Incarnate Word's tournament chances, as they struggle to find consistency against lower-ranked opponents.
For Houston Christian, this win is a major resume booster. While it's still a Quadrant 4 victory, it's a win that shows the Huskies can compete with and beat teams ranked above them. Demari Williams and his teammates have proven that they're a force to be reckoned with, and this upset will undoubtedly give them confidence as they move forward. As for Incarnate Word, they'll need to regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the tournament. This loss is a setback, but it's not a fatal blow – yet. The Cardinals must bounce back quickly to avoid letting this upset derail their season.