Sacred Heart's Dashon Gittens stole the show at the William H. Pitt Center, leading his team to a nail-biting 71-70 victory over Niagara. Gittens' impressive all-around performance, which included 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, was the difference-maker in a game that saw both teams give it their all. The Pioneers' win was predicted by CHD Scout, who had them winning by 8.5 points, but the actual margin was a much narrower 1 point.
The first half saw Niagara take a slight edge, with the Purple Eagles heading into the break up 36-34. However, Sacred Heart came out strong in the second half, with Gittens and Anquan Hill, who also scored 19 points, leading the charge. The Pioneers' offense clicked into gear, with Nyle Ralph-Beyer adding 14 points to the mix. Despite a strong effort from Niagara's Vice Zanki, who scored 19 points, the Purple Eagles couldn't quite keep pace.
Zanki's performance was notable, as he led a Niagara team that refused to back down. Will Shortt added a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Justin Page chipped in with 13 points of his own. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Sacred Heart, who had three players score in double figures.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win improves Sacred Heart's record to 9-13, while Niagara falls to 5-15. While the victory may not have been as convincing as predicted, it's a crucial one for the Pioneers' resume. This game was classified as a Quadrant 4 matchup for both teams, and the win will help Sacred Heart's chances of improving their tournament standing. With a current net ranking of 289, the Pioneers still have work to do, but this win is a step in the right direction.
For Niagara, the loss is a tough one to swallow, as they were so close to pulling off the upset. However, with a net ranking of 354, the Purple Eagles' tournament hopes are all but dashed. This game was a microcosm of their season, with flashes of brilliance but ultimately not enough to get over the hump.
In the end, Sacred Heart's victory is a reflection of the team's resilience and determination. With Gittens leading the way, the Pioneers were able to outlast a feisty Niagara team and come away with a hard-fought win. As the season wears on, Sacred Heart want to build on this momentum and make a push for a stronger tournament resume. For now, they can savor a thrilling victory that will undoubtedly be a highlight of their season.