The Houston Christian Huskies pulled off a stunning 72-68 upset over the Nicholls State Colonels, defying their 298 NET ranking and handing Nicholls State, ranked 255, a tough loss, as the Huskies had been averaging just 61 points per game over their last 5 contests, while allowing 67 points per game, resulting in a 1-4 record during that stretch, with their only win being a 61-60 victory over New Orleans. This win marks a significant turnaround for Houston Christian, who had been struggling to find their footing, and it's a reflection of their resilience that they were able to overcome their recent form, which included losses to McNeese, SE Louisiana, and Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Huskies' 35 points in the first period set the tone for the game, as they were able to maintain a lead throughout, despite Nicholls State's strong second-half performance, where they scored 39 points.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage, until the final minutes, when Houston Christian's Mambourou Mara and Demarco Bethea hit crucial shots to seal the win, with Mara scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, while Bethea added 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Kylin Green chipped in with 12 points and 6 assists. Nicholls State's Trae English had a strong game, scoring 17 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Huskies' balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures. The Colonels had been averaging 74.4 points per game over their last 5 contests, but were held to just 68 points, as the Huskies' defense stepped up to limit their scoring opportunities.
Houston Christian's Mambourou Mara Grabs 13 Rebounds in Upset Win
Mara's performance was particularly impressive, as he hit several big shots in the second half, including a crucial three-pointer with just over 2 minutes remaining, which gave the Huskies a 5-point lead, and he also grabbed several key rebounds, including one with just over 1 minute left, which helped to seal the win. Bethea also had a strong game, scoring 10 of his 15 points in the second half, including a pair of free throws with just over 30 seconds remaining, which gave the Huskies a 4-point lead, and Green's 6 assists were crucial in helping to set up his teammates for easy baskets. On the other hand, Nicholls State's Jaylen Searles and Jalik Dunkley had relatively quiet games, scoring just 14 and 13 points, respectively, after averaging 15.6 and 14.2 points per game over their last 5 contests.
The Huskies' win was also a significant upset, as CHD Scout had predicted Nicholls State to win by 0.6 points, but the Huskies were able to defy the odds and pull off the victory, and this win marks a significant departure from their recent trend, where they had been outscored by an average of 6.0 points per game over their last 5 contests. The Huskies' ability to overcome their recent form and pull off the upset is a reflection of their resilience and determination.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The prediction model missed the mark on this one, as it failed to account for the Huskies' ability to step up their defense and limit the Colonels' scoring opportunities, and it also underestimated the impact of Mara's and Bethea's performances, which were crucial in securing the win. The model had predicted a close game, but it didn't anticipate the Huskies' ability to pull away in the final minutes, and this win is a significant departure from the predicted outcome, as the Huskies were able to overcome their recent trend and pull off the upset.
The win is also a significant boost to the Huskies' resume, as it marks a Quadrant 4 win, and it could potentially help them to improve their NET ranking, which currently stands at 298. The Huskies' recent form had been a concern, but this win helps to alleviate some of those concerns, and it shows that they are capable of competing with teams like Nicholls State, who had been averaging 74.4 points per game over their last 5 contests. The Huskies' ability to pull off the upset is a reflection of their resilience and determination, and it's a significant departure from their recent trend, where they had been outscored by an average of 6.0 points per game over their last 5 contests.
The loss is a significant blow to Nicholls State's tournament hopes, as it marks a Quadrant 4 loss, and it could potentially hurt their NET ranking, which currently stands at 255. The Colonels had been averaging 74.4 points per game over their last 5 contests, but this loss is a significant departure from that trend, and it raises concerns about their ability to compete with teams like Houston Christian. The Huskies' win, on the other hand, is a significant boost to their resume, as it marks a Quadrant 4 win, and it could potentially help them to improve their NET ranking. The win is also a significant departure from the Huskies' recent trend, where they had been outscored by an average of 6.0 points per game over their last 5 contests, and it shows that they are capable of competing with teams like Nicholls State.
The Huskies' 10-17 record may not be impressive, but this win shows that they are capable of competing with teams like Nicholls State, and it's a significant boost to their confidence, as they had been struggling to find their footing, with just 1 win in their last 5 games. The Colonels, on the other hand, fall to 11-16, and this loss is a significant blow to their tournament hopes, as it marks a Quadrant 4 loss, and it could potentially hurt their NET ranking. The Huskies' ability to pull off the upset is a reflection of their resilience and determination, and it's a significant departure from their recent trend, where they had been outscored by an average of 6.0 points per game over their last 5 contests. The win is also a significant boost to the Huskies' resume, as it marks a Quadrant 4 win, and it could potentially help them to improve their NET ranking, which currently stands at 298.