In a shocking turn of events, Old Dominion traveled to First National Bank Arena and handed Arkansas State a 75-71 defeat, pulling off a significant upset. The Monarchs, ranked 246th in the net rankings, took down the 146th-ranked Red Wolves, defying the pre-game prediction that had Arkansas State winning by 9.2 points. This stunning result will undoubtedly send ripples through the college basketball landscape.
The game got off to a strong start for Old Dominion, with the Monarchs taking a 38-33 lead into halftime. Jordan Battle was instrumental in this early success, scoring 20 points and dishing out 6 assists to pace his team. Christian Harmon, Arkansas State's top performer, did his best to keep the Red Wolves in the game, finishing with 20 points and 7 rebounds. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Old Dominion, which saw KC Shaw and Caelum Swanton-Rodger contribute 16 and 13 points, respectively.
As the second half unfolded, Arkansas State made a push to take the lead, but Old Dominion's resilience paid off. The Monarchs maintained their composure, and their lead, to secure the 4-point victory. TJ Caldwell and Jalen Hampton also had notable performances for the Red Wolves, with 14 and 12 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
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Final
The loss is a significant blow to Arkansas State's tournament hopes, as this game was considered a Quadrant 4 opportunity for the Red Wolves. On the other hand, Old Dominion's win is a Quadrant 3 victory, which will undoubtedly bolster their resume. The fact that CHD Scout's prediction was so far off highlights the unpredictability of college basketball and the dangers of underestimating teams like Old Dominion.
This upset victory will be a major confidence booster for the Monarchs, who have struggled to find consistency this season. With a record of 7-15, Old Dominion still has an uphill climb ahead of them, but this win shows that they are capable of competing with teams above their level. As for Arkansas State, they must regroup and refocus, as this loss could have real consequences for their tournament chances.
In the end, Old Dominion's impressive performance and Jordan Battle's standout effort have given the Monarchs a much-needed boost. This result will undoubtedly be a talking point in the college basketball world, and it will be interesting to see how both teams respond in their upcoming games. The win is a significant addition to Old Dominion's resume, and it matters in determining their tournament fate.