Rider pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of the season, taking down Iona 72-68 at Alumni Gymnasium. The Broncs, sporting a 2-17 record, were expected to be no match for the 14-8 Gaels, but they had other plans. This monumental upset will send shockwaves through the college basketball world, as Rider's 358 net ranking made them significant underdogs against Iona's 218 ranking.
The first half was all Rider, as they built a commanding 41-26 lead behind Flash Burton's scorching hot shooting. Burton, who finished with 21 points, was unstoppable in the opening period, setting the tone for the Broncs' upset bid. Shemani Fuller also made her presence felt, notching 13 points and 13 rebounds to help Rider dominate the paint. Zion Cruz added 16 points, including several crucial baskets late.
Iona, however, refused to go quietly into the night. The Gaels mounted a furious comeback in the second half, outscoring Rider 42-31 behind Toby Harris's 15 points and 6 rebounds. CJ Anthony and Lamin Sabally also chipped in with 14 points each, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Despite their best efforts, Iona couldn't quite close the gap, and Rider held on for the stunning 4-point victory.
The magnitude of this upset cannot be overstated. Rider's victory will be remembered as one of the biggest surprises of the season, and it's a reflection of the team's resilience and determination. For Iona, this loss is a significant setback, as they were expected to cruise to an easy win against a struggling Rider squad.
With no pre-game prediction available, it's clear that nobody saw this coming. Rider's win will be a major talking point in the college basketball world, and it's a reminder that anything can happen on any given night.
As for the resume implications, this result is a Quadrant 4 win for Rider and a Quadrant 4 loss for Iona. While it won't significantly boost Rider's tournament chances, it's a much-needed confidence boost for a team that has struggled to find its footing this season. For Iona, this loss is a Quad 4 blemish on their record, which could potentially hurt their chances of earning an at-large bid. As the season wears on, this upset will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the college basketball landscape, and it will be fascinating to see how both teams respond to this result.