In a shocking turn of events, Fordham pulled off a stunning 64-58 upset over La Salle at Rose Hill Gym, defying expectations and sending a statement to the college basketball world. Despite being predicted to win by 8.4 points by CHD Scout, the actual margin of victory was a mere 6 points, making this a nail-biting, down-to-the-wire thriller. The prediction was correct, with Fordham emerging victorious, but the close scoreline was a reflection of La Salle's resilience.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with La Salle taking a 34-32 lead into halftime. However, Fordham's Akira Jacobs and Dejour Reaves sparked a second-half surge, outscoring La Salle 32-24 in the final 20 minutes. Jacobs finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Reaves added 11 points and 8 rebounds. Rikus Schulte also chipped in with 8 points and 8 rebounds, providing a crucial boost off the bench. The Rams' balanced attack and tenacious defense ultimately proved too much for La Salle to handle.
La Salle's Jerome Brewer Jr. was a one-man show, pouring in 21 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Rob Dockery added 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Ashton Walker chipped in with 10 points. Despite their best efforts, the Explorers couldn't overcome Fordham's stifling defense and timely scoring.
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The win has real consequences for Fordham's tournament resume, as this was a Quadrant 4 victory for the Rams. While it may not be the most impressive win, it's a crucial one for a team looking to build momentum and confidence. For La Salle, this was a Quadrant 3 loss, which won't hurt their resume too much but will certainly sting given the competitive nature of the game.
Fordham's victory is a reflection of their growth and development as a team. They have now improved to 11-10 on the season, while La Salle drops to 7-14. The Rams want to build on this momentum as they continue their season, while the Explorers will aim to regroup and refocus.
This upset win will undoubtedly be a morale booster for Fordham, and they want to carry this momentum into their future games. The fact that they were able to overcome a talented La Salle team, despite being predicted to win by a wider margin, speaks to their resilience and determination. As the season heats up, Fordham want to use this win as a springboard to bigger and better things, while La Salle will aim to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger. The Rams' tournament chances have certainly received a boost, and they want to continue making a push for a postseason berth.