In a stunning turn of events, Iona pulled off a monumental upset at the Hynes Athletics Center, edging out Merrimack 61-60. This outcome is all the more remarkable considering the Gaels were not expected to come out on top, with CHD Scout predicting a 6.6-point victory for Iona, which ultimately proved correct, albeit in a much closer contest than anticipated. The actual margin of victory was a mere one point, a reflection of the intense competition that unfolded on the court.
Denver Anglin was the catalyst behind Iona's upset, scoring 22 points to lead his team to a crucial win. His performance was complemented by Lamin Sabally, who chipped in with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Toby Harris, who added 9 points to the Gaels' tally. On the other side of the court, Kevair Kennedy was unstoppable, racking up 23 points and 8 rebounds for Merrimack. Ernest Shelton and KC Ugwuakazi also made significant contributions, with 13 points and 5 rebounds, and 11 points and 9 rebounds, respectively.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Merrimack taking a 33-31 lead into halftime. However, Iona regrouped and managed to outscore their opponents 30-27 in the second half, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. The Gaels' ability to contain Merrimack's offense and capitalize on their own scoring opportunities ultimately was the deciding factor.
This upset has real consequences for both teams, particularly in terms of their tournament chances. For Iona, this win, although a Quadrant 4 victory, demonstrates their ability to compete against tougher opponents and could potentially boost their resume. On the other hand, Merrimack's loss, classified as a Quadrant 3 game, may hinder their postseason aspirations. The Warriors' net ranking of 213 will likely take a hit, making their path to the tournament more challenging.
The fact that Iona was able to secure a win despite being ranked lower than Merrimack, with a net ranking of 215, underscores the unpredictability of college basketball. This result will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the basketball community, as the Gaels have proven that they can hang with, and even beat, more highly regarded teams. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Iona builds on this momentum and whether Merrimack can bounce back from this disappointing loss. For now, the Gaels can savor this hard-fought victory, which will undoubtedly be a defining moment in their season.