In a stunning turn of events, Incarnate Word pulled off a monumental upset at the American Bank Center, taking down Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 71-69. This victory is a significant statement for the Cardinals, who were predicted to lose by 5.3 points according to CHD Scout. Instead, they defied expectations and handed the Islanders a devastating loss. The magnitude of this upset cannot be overstated, as Incarnate Word, ranked 274 in the net rankings, took down a Texas A&M-Corpus Christi team that was 80 spots ahead of them.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Incarnate Word taking a 32-26 lead into halftime. The Cardinals' high-powered offense was led by Davion Bailey, who exploded for 36 points, including several crucial baskets late. Bailey's performance was a masterclass, and his ability to score from anywhere on the court was too much for the Islanders to handle. On the other side, Mason Gibson was the top performer for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, scoring 19 points in a valiant effort to keep his team in the game.
As the second half got underway, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi mounted a fierce comeback, outscoring Incarnate Word 43-39 in the period. However, the Cardinals' first-half lead was just enough, as they held on for the 71-69 win. Sheldon Williams chipped in with 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Islanders, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The loss is a significant blow to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's tournament hopes, as it falls into the Quadrant 4 category, the least desirable of the four quadrants used to evaluate teams.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's prediction of a 74-68 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi win was woefully inaccurate, as Incarnate Word's upset victory turned the script on its head. The actual margin of victory was just 2 points, a far cry from the predicted 5.3-point spread. This result serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball and the dangers of underestimating opponents.
The implications of this result are significant for both teams. For Incarnate Word, this Quadrant 3 win is a massive boost to their resume, providing a much-needed signature victory. On the other hand, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's loss is a Quadrant 4 defeat, which will likely hurt their chances of making a deep tournament run. As the season enters its final stretch, the Cardinals want to build on this momentum, while the Islanders must regroup and refocus in order to salvage their tournament hopes. The upset win by Incarnate Word will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the college basketball world, and it will be interesting to see how both teams respond in the coming weeks.