In a shocking turn of events, Pennsylvania pulled off a stunning 10-point upset over Cornell at Newman Arena, leaving the Big Red reeling and questioning their tournament chances. Despite being predicted to win by 5.4 points by CHD Scout, Cornell fell short, with Pennsylvania's high-powered offense proving too much to handle. The Quakers' 91-81 victory marked a significant upset, as they entered the game with a lower net ranking than their opponents.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Pennsylvania racing out to a 49-35 halftime lead. Cornell's Cooper Noard did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 28 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Quakers' balanced attack. Michael Zanoni led the way for Pennsylvania, scoring 19 points and receiving ample support from his teammates, including Ethan Roberts, who chipped in with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The second half saw Cornell attempt to mount a comeback, with Jake Fiegen scoring 23 points and Adam Hinton adding 13, but Pennsylvania's lead proved insurmountable. The Quakers' ability to maintain their pace and composure in the face of Cornell's pressure ultimately sealed the win. As the final buzzer sounded, Pennsylvania celebrated a 10-point victory, one that will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the college basketball world.
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The loss is a significant blow to Cornell's tournament hopes, as it constitutes a Quadrant 4 loss, a designation that will likely harm their chances of securing an at-large bid. On the other hand, the win is a major boost to Pennsylvania's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 3 victory. With both teams now holding identical 10-10 records, the Quakers have gained a crucial advantage in the eyes of the selection committee.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had Cornell winning by 5.4 points, proved woefully inaccurate, highlighting the unpredictability of college basketball. As the season enters its final stretch, upsets like this one will continue to shape the tournament landscape. For Pennsylvania, this win is a reflection of their resilience and determination, and they want to build on this momentum as they push for a postseason berth. For Cornell, the loss serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, and they must regroup quickly to salvage their tournament hopes. The implications of this result are clear: Pennsylvania's upset victory has significantly altered the trajectory of both teams' seasons, and the Quakers' tournament chances have received a substantial boost.