Loyola Maryland Stuns Lehigh in 89-84 Upset

In a shocking turn of events, Loyola University Maryland pulled off a stunning 89-84 upset over Lehigh at Reitz Arena, defying pre-game predictions and sending a statement to the college basketball world. The Greyhounds, led by Emmett Adair's impressive 27-point, 11-rebound performance, outlasted the Mountain Hawks in a back-and-forth contest that saw both teams trade blows until the final whistle.

The game got off to a frenetic pace, with Loyola Maryland taking a 35-33 lead into halftime. Lehigh's Hank Alvey, who finished with 27 points and 8 rebounds, kept his team within striking distance, but the Greyhounds' balanced attack proved too much to handle. Jordan Stiemke and Troy Cicero Jr. chipped in with 19 and 17 points, respectively, as Loyola Maryland's offense clicked on all cylinders.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Lehigh winning by a slim 0.6-point margin, but the actual outcome was far more decisive. Loyola Maryland's 5-point victory margin was a reflection of their determination and resilience, as they withstood a late Lehigh surge to secure the win. The Mountain Hawks' Nasir Whitlock and Edouard Benoit contributed 18 and 12 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Greyhounds' collective effort.

The upset has real consequences for both teams' resumes, particularly in the context of tournament chances. For Loyola University Maryland, the win marks a crucial Quadrant 4 victory, which could help bolster their postseason credentials. On the other hand, Lehigh's loss drops them to 10-14 on the season, and the Q4 defeat may hurt their chances of making a deep run in their conference tournament.

Emmett Adair's standout performance was the difference-maker, as he dominated the paint and perimeter to propel Loyola Maryland to victory. His 27 points and 11 rebounds were a reflection of his skill and athleticism, and he will undoubtedly be a key factor in the Greyhounds' future success. For Lehigh, Hank Alvey's impressive outing was a silver lining, but ultimately not enough to overcome the team's overall struggles.

As the season enters its final stretch, Loyola University Maryland's upset win over Lehigh serves as a reminder that anything can happen in college basketball. The Greyhounds' victory may not have been expected, but it's a reflection of their grit and determination. With this Q4 win, Loyola Maryland has boosted its tournament resume, while Lehigh must regroup and refocus to make a push for postseason contention. The implications of this result will be felt for the remainder of the season, and both teams want to build on this experience as they navigate the challenges ahead.