Loyola Marymount Stuns San Francisco in 9-Point Upset

Loyola Marymount pulled off a stunning upset at The Sobrato Center, taking down San Francisco 84-75 in a game that will have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. The Lions, ranked 187th in the net rankings, entered the contest as underdogs, with CHD Scout predicting a 7.8-point victory for San Francisco. However, Jalen Shelley and his teammates had other plans, leading Loyola Marymount to a 9-point victory that will undoubtedly raise eyebrows across the college basketball landscape.

The game got off to a fast start, with Loyola Marymount taking a 37-32 lead into halftime. The Lions' offense was clicking, with Shelley scoring 12 of his 27 points in the first half. San Francisco's Ryan Beasley kept the Dons in the game, scoring 15 of his 30 points before the break. Beasley's impressive performance was not enough, however, as Loyola Marymount's balanced attack and stout defense allowed them to maintain their lead throughout the second half.

The Lions' offense exploded for 47 points in the second half, with Rodney Brown Jr. scoring 15 of his 23 points after the break. Myron Amey Jr. also chipped in with 12 points, providing a spark off the bench for Loyola Marymount. Meanwhile, San Francisco struggled to find consistency on offense, with Beasley and Junjie Wang being the only Dons to score in double figures. Wang's 19 points were a welcome addition, but it was not enough to overcome the Lions' onslaught.

The upset victory is a significant one for Loyola Marymount, as it counts as a Quad 2 win for the Lions. This result will undoubtedly boost their tournament resume, which was previously lacking in marquee victories. On the other hand, the loss is a devastating blow to San Francisco's tournament hopes, as it counts as a Quad 4 loss for the Dons. San Francisco's net ranking of 98 will likely take a hit, making their path to the tournament even more challenging.

CHD Scout's prediction of a San Francisco victory by 7.8 points was woefully inaccurate, as Loyola Marymount dominated the game from start to finish. The Lions' victory serves as a reminder that anything can happen in college basketball, and that upsets can occur at any time. As the season enters its final stretch, Loyola Marymount's upset victory over San Francisco will be remembered as one of the most significant of the year, with major implications for both teams' tournament chances. The win improves Loyola Marymount's record to 12-13, while San Francisco falls to 14-11. With this result, Loyola Marymount's tournament chances receive a significant boost, while San Francisco's hopes take a hit, making their road to the tournament much more difficult.