In a shocking turn of events, Radford pulled off a stunning 84-75 upset over Charleston Southern at the Buccaneer Fieldhouse, defying the pre-game prediction that had Charleston Southern winning by 7.2 points. The Highlanders' impressive performance, led by Del Jones' 27 points, handed Charleston Southern a devastating loss that will undoubtedly have real consequences for their tournament chances.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Radford taking a 44-32 lead into halftime. Charleston Southern's A'lahn Sumler did his best to keep his team afloat, scoring 26 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Highlanders' balanced attack. Del Jones was the catalyst for Radford, scoring from all angles and setting the tone for his team's upset bid. Jaylon Johnson and Dennis Parker Jr. also chipped in with 18 and 16 points, respectively, as Radford's offense proved too much for Charleston Southern to handle.
Charleston Southern made a push in the second half, outscoring Radford 43-40, but the damage had already been done. The Buccaneers' inability to contain Radford's offense in the first half ultimately was their downfall. Brycen Blaine and Armari Carraway provided some secondary scoring for Charleston Southern, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
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Final
The loss is a significant blow to Charleston Southern's tournament resume, as it falls into the Q4 category. On the other hand, Radford's win is a Q3 victory, which will undoubtedly boost their own tournament chances. The Highlanders' ability to take down a team ranked 39 spots higher in the net rankings is a reflection of their resilience and determination.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had Charleston Southern winning by 7.2 points, was woefully incorrect. In reality, Radford's dominant performance led to a 9-point victory, silencing any doubts about their ability to compete against tougher opponents. As the season wears on, Radford want to build on this momentum, while Charleston Southern must regroup and refocus if they hope to salvage their tournament hopes.
This upset victory will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Radford's tournament resume. With a win over a team like Charleston Southern, the Highlanders have demonstrated their ability to compete against quality opponents. As the selection committee evaluates Radford's tournament worthiness, this win will undoubtedly be a key factor in their decision. Conversely, Charleston Southern's loss will be a significant blemish on their resume, making their tournament chances increasingly slim.