Sam Houston State's Po'Boigh King stole the show, scoring 23 points to lead his team to a 93-87 victory over Kennesaw State at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. The Bearkats' win was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a 3.7-point margin of victory for Sam Houston - a prediction that ultimately proved accurate, albeit with a much higher scoring total than anticipated. The actual margin of victory was six points, with Sam Houston emerging on top.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the first half. Sam Houston State took a 43-39 lead into the break, thanks in large part to King's 12 first-half points. Kennesaw State's RJ Johnson was equally impressive, scoring 15 points in the first half to keep his team within striking distance. Johnson would go on to finish with 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, a performance that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best of the season.
In the second half, Sam Houston State continued to push the pace, with King and Damon Nicholas Jr. leading the charge. Nicholas Jr. added 15 points, while Veljko Ilic chipped in with 12 points and 6 rebounds. The Bearkats' offense was clicking on all cylinders, scoring 50 points in the second half to seal the win. Kennesaw State refused to back down, however, with Johnson and Braedan Lue leading a furious rally that fell just short. Lue finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Trey Simpson added 17 points for the Owls.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win is a significant one for Sam Houston State, as it marks a Quadrant 3 victory for the Bearkats. This type of win can be crucial in bolstering a team's resume, particularly when it comes to tournament selection time. For Kennesaw State, the loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which is still a valuable result for a team looking to build its postseason credentials. The Owls' current net ranking of 157 will likely remain relatively stable, despite the loss.
As the season wears on, Sam Houston State want to build on this win and continue to strengthen its resume. With a current net ranking of 104, the Bearkats are firmly in the mix for a tournament bid. This win will only help to solidify their position, and they want to continue their strong play in the coming weeks. The victory over Kennesaw State is a reflection of the Bearkats' ability to perform under pressure, and they will undoubtedly be a team to watch as the postseason approaches.