In a stunning turn of events, Manhattan pulled off a significant upset at Draddy Gymnasium, taking down Sacred Heart 80-68. The Jaspers, who were predicted to lose by 1.1 points according to CHD Scout, defied expectations and handed the Pioneers a decisive 12-point defeat. This outcome marks a major upset, given Sacred Heart's slightly higher net ranking of 294 compared to Manhattan's 334.
Anquan Hill's 30-Point Performance
The game got off to a blistering start, with Sacred Heart taking a 44-37 lead into halftime. Anquan Hill was unstoppable, scoring 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead the Pioneers' charge. However, Manhattan adjusted their strategy in the second half, outscoring Sacred Heart 43-24 to seal the win. Jaden Winston was instrumental in the Jaspers' comeback, scoring 21 points to pace his team. Fraser Roxburgh and Terrance Jones also made significant contributions, with Roxburgh adding 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Jones tallying 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The upset win is a significant boost to Manhattan's resume, particularly given the Quadrant 4 designation of the game. Despite being a Q4 matchup, the victory demonstrates the Jaspers' ability to rise to the occasion and capitalize on opportunities. On the other hand, Sacred Heart's loss will likely have negative implications for their tournament chances, as they suffered a Q4 defeat.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which favored Sacred Heart by a slim margin, was inaccurate. The actual margin of 12 points in favor of Manhattan was a far cry from the predicted score of 77-78. This outcome serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball and the importance of taking each game seriously.
As the season progresses, Manhattan's win will be viewed as a crucial moment in their conference schedule. The Jaspers' ability to overcome a strong opponent like Sacred Heart will undoubtedly give them confidence heading into their remaining games. For Sacred Heart, the loss will require a swift response to get their season back on track.
The resume implications of this result are significant, particularly for Manhattan. The win, although a Q4 game, demonstrates the Jaspers' capacity to compete against conference foes. While it may not drastically alter their tournament chances, it undoubtedly adds a positive element to their resume. For Sacred Heart, the Q4 loss will be a blemish on their record, potentially harming their chances of earning a postseason berth.