In a shocking turn of events, Old Dominion pulled off a stunning 75-73 upset over Appalachian State at the Holmes Convocation Center. The Monarchs, ranked 251 in the net rankings, took down the 219th-ranked Mountaineers in a game that will have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. This monumental win marks a major upset, as Appalachian State was expected to dominate the contest.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Old Dominion racing out to a 36-17 lead at halftime. Jordan Battle was unstoppable, scoring 15 of his 25 points in the first half to propel the Monarchs to a commanding advantage. However, Appalachian State refused to back down, with Alonzo Dodd leading the charge. Dodd finished with an impressive 27 points and 9 assists, spearheading the Mountaineers' second-half surge.
Appalachian State outscored Old Dominion 56-39 in the second half, with Dodd and Kasen Jennings combining for 28 points to bring the Mountaineers within striking distance. Despite their best efforts, the Monarchs held on, thanks in large part to Battle's clutch performance. LJ Thomas and Jared Turner chipped in with 9 points each to support Battle's efforts, as Old Dominion secured a crucial victory.
The loss is a significant blow to Appalachian State's tournament hopes, as this game was classified as a Quadrant 4 contest for the Mountaineers. On the other hand, Old Dominion can breathe a sigh of relief, as this win falls under Quadrant 3 for the Monarchs. While it's still an uphill battle for Old Dominion to make a deep tournament run, this upset victory will undoubtedly boost their confidence and provide a much-needed resume boost.
With this result, Appalachian State's record drops to 11-9, while Old Dominion improves to 6-14. Despite the disparity in their records, the Monarchs proved that they can compete with anyone on their day. As the season enters its final stretch, Old Dominion want to build on this momentum, while Appalachian State will aim to regroup and refocus in pursuit of a tournament berth. The Monarchs' upset win will have far-reaching implications, and it will be fascinating to see how both teams respond in the coming weeks. This victory is a reflection of Old Dominion's resilience and determination, and it will undoubtedly be a defining moment in their season.