Dartmouth's Kareem Thomas stole the show at Leede Arena, scoring 22 points to lead his team to a 71-69 victory over Princeton. The home crowd was treated to a thrilling performance by Thomas, who helped the Big Green secure a hard-fought win. Princeton's Jackson Hicke did his best to keep his team in the game, pouring in 28 points, but it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome the host's balanced attack.
The game got off to a fast start, with Princeton taking a 38-31 lead into halftime. However, Dartmouth came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 40-31 to take the win. Jayden Williams and Cam Hiatt provided key support for Thomas, scoring 13 and 10 points, respectively, to help Dartmouth's cause. For Princeton, Dalen Davis and Landon Clark chipped in with 13 and 12 points, but the team's effort was largely driven by Hicke's impressive scoring display.
CHD Scout had predicted a Dartmouth win by 6.4 points, and while the actual margin was narrower, the prediction ultimately proved correct. The closely contested nature of the game was a reflection of the competitive spirit of both teams, with neither able to gain a significant advantage until the final whistle.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
As the season wears on, games like this one will take on added importance for tournament hopefuls. For Dartmouth, the win marks a solid addition to their resume, albeit a Quadrant 4 victory. The Big Green must continue to accumulate wins, particularly against stronger opponents, to bolster their tournament chances. Princeton, on the other hand, was always facing an uphill battle here, and the loss, classified as a Quadrant 3 defeat, won't significantly harm their prospects but won't provide much of a boost either.
The outcome of this game serves as a reminder that, even in the midst of a challenging season, individual performances can shine through. Thomas and Hicke both demonstrated their skill and determination, and their efforts will undoubtedly be remembered as highlights of the campaign. As the teams move forward, they want to build on this experience, with Dartmouth seeking to leverage the momentum from this win to drive their push for a stronger finish to the season. For now, the Big Green can savor a hard-earned victory, one that showcases their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.