In a stunning upset, West Georgia University defeated Lipscomb University by a margin of 7 points, 84-77, at The Coliseum. The final score belies the significant implications of this result, as West Georgia, ranked 308 in the NET rankings, took down Lipscomb, which sits at 168. The half scores reveal a strong start for the underdogs, with West Georgia leading 44-37 at the break, and a closely contested second half that saw both teams score 40 points.
The disparity in NET rankings between West Georgia and Lipscomb suggests that this outcome will have significant seed line implications. West Georgia's ability to maintain its lead throughout the game, despite being outmatched on paper, is a testament to the team's resilience and determination. The fact that the Wolves were able to hold off the Bisons in the second half, with both teams scoring an equal number of points, indicates that West Georgia's strategy and execution were effective in countering Lipscomb's attempts to mount a comeback.
A 24-point, 7-rebound performance from Shelton Williams-Dryden set the tone for West Georgia, as his ability to score efficiently from the field was on full display. With the game on the line, Williams-Dryden's 10-15 field goal shooting helped West Georgia maintain its lead, while his 3 assists showcased his ability to create for his teammates. The freshman standout, Josh Smith, also played a crucial role, as his 17 points and 4 assists demonstrated his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Erupting for 17 points, Josh Smith's 7-9 field goal shooting was a key factor in West Georgia's victory, as he consistently found ways to score from the field. His 1-2 three-point shooting and 2-3 free throw shooting also highlighted his ability to score from various ranges. Kolten Griffin's 12 points and 5 rebounds provided additional support, as his 2 blocks helped West Georgia's defense stifle Lipscomb's offense, with his 2-4 three-point shooting also contributing to the team's overall scoring effort.
Despite the loss, the team's leading scorer, Ross Candelino, had a respectable outing, finishing with 14 points on 5-9 shooting from the field, although his 2-6 mark from beyond the arc was a notable aspect of his performance. His 5 rebounds also contributed to the team's overall effort, but it ultimately was not enough to overcome the opposition. Grant Asman's 14 points, which came on 6-11 shooting from the field, were a highlight of the game, as he also added 4 rebounds and 1 assist to his stat line.
Finishing with 11 points, Cole Middleton's efficiency from the field was a positive, as he went 4-6 from the floor and 3-4 from the free throw line, while also contributing 3 rebounds and 1 block to the team's defensive effort. His performance, however, was not sufficient to propel Lipscomb to victory, as the team struggled to contain West Georgia's offense. The efforts of Candelino, Asman, and Middleton, although commendable, were ultimately overshadowed by the opposing team's strong showing.
Beyond the standout performances, the remainder of the players for both teams generally adhered to their season-long trends, with no notable outliers.
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INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The pre-game prediction, which favored Lipscomb by 7.1 points, proved to be incorrect as West Georgia emerged victorious by a margin of 7 points. This outcome was unexpected, given the predicted advantage for Lipscomb, and it highlights the unpredictability of college basketball. The actual result was a testament to West Georgia's ability to rise to the occasion and defy expectations.
The decisive factors in this game can be attributed to West Georgia's exceptional shooting performance and their ability to limit their own offensive rebounds. West Georgia's effective field goal percentage of 62.3% was significantly higher than their season average, indicating a notable improvement in their shooting accuracy. Additionally, their lower than average offensive rebounding rate suggests that they were able to capitalize on their initial shot attempts, rather than relying on second-chance opportunities. This combination of efficient shooting and reduced dependence on offensive rebounds ultimately contributed to West Georgia's victory.
The outcome of this contest has significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations, as they both rely on securing the ASUN conference tournament auto-bid to extend their seasons. For West Georgia, the win bolsters their chances of making a deep run in the conference tournament, potentially improving their seeding and path to the championship game. Conversely, Lipscomb's loss may drop them in the conference standings, forcing them to navigate a more treacherous tournament bracket. Considering the trajectory of both programs, it's clear that West Georgia's victory is a crucial step in their pursuit of a conference title, while Lipscomb's defeat raises questions about their ability to capitalize on their regular season successes when it matters most. Ultimately, this result serves as a stark reminder that in the low-stakes, high-reward world of mid-major basketball, a single Quad 4 win can be the difference between a legitimate championship contender and a mere also-ran.