Quinnipiac's Amarri Monroe stole the show with a dominant 15-point, 11-rebound performance, leading the Bobcats to a hard-fought 56-55 win over Niagara at the M&T Bank Arena. The victory marked a crucial conference win for Quinnipiac, who improved to 17-9 on the season. Despite being heavily favored, the Bobcats were pushed to the limit by a determined Niagara squad, who fell to 6-18.
Amarri Monroe's 11 Rebounds Mark His 10th Double-Digit Rebounding Performance of the Season
The first half belonged to Quinnipiac, as they built a 36-24 lead behind Monroe's 10 points and 7 rebounds. However, Niagara refused to back down, mounting a fierce comeback in the second half. Will Shortt, Niagara's standout performer, tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds, including several crucial baskets late. The Purple Eagles outscored Quinnipiac 31-20 in the second half, but ultimately fell just short.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Quinnipiac winning by 15.6 points, but the actual margin was a mere 1 point. While the Bobcats didn't cover the predicted spread, they still secured a vital win that reinforces their position in the conference standings. Monroe's supporting cast, including Keith McKnight and Grant Randall, chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively, to help seal the victory.
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The narrow win may not have been the most convincing, but it underscores Quinnipiac's resilience and ability to grind out tough victories. For Niagara, the loss, although heartbreaking, demonstrates their capacity to compete with higher-ranked opponents. Shortt's impressive double-double, coupled with Landon Williams' 10 points, highlights the Purple Eagles' potential to cause upsets in the future.
This matchup was classified as a Quadrant 4 game for Quinnipiac and Quadrant 3 for Niagara, making the Bobcats' win a significant addition to their tournament resume. While the victory may not significantly boost their NET ranking, it reinforces their position as a competitive force in the conference. As the season enters its final stretch, Quinnipiac want to build on this win and strengthen their case for a postseason berth.