In a shocking turn of events, Louisiana Tech pulled off a stunning 87-78 upset over Sam Houston State at the Thomas Assembly Center, defying pre-game predictions and sending a ripple through the conference standings. CHD Scout had predicted a comfortable 8.5-point win for Sam Houston, but the Bulldogs had other plans, outscoring their opponents 50-40 in the second half to secure a crucial nine-point victory.
Kaden Cooper's 18-Rebound Performance Ties Season High
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Sam Houston State taking a narrow 38-37 lead into halftime. However, Louisiana Tech's AJ Bates and Kaden Cooper took over in the second half, combining for 25 points and 10 rebounds to propel their team to victory. Bates finished with 21 points and 6 assists, while Cooper added 16 points and a staggering 18 rebounds. Sir Issac Herron also chipped in with 18 points for the Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, Sam Houston State's Po'Boigh King did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 21 points to lead all Bearkats. Jacobe Coleman and Jacob Walker added 18 and 16 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bulldogs' balanced attack.
CHD Scout Report Card
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The implications of this upset cannot be overstated. As a Quadrant 3 win for Louisiana Tech, this result significantly bolsters their tournament resume, which now boasts a 13-10 record and a NET ranking of 258. On the other hand, Sam Houston State's loss is a Quadrant 4 defeat, which could potentially harm their chances of securing an at-large bid. With a current NET ranking of 102, the Bearkats must regroup and refocus to stay in the tournament conversation.
This result is a reflection of the unpredictability of college basketball, where upsets can happen on any given night. Louisiana Tech's victory serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely of teams can rise to the occasion and pull off a major upset. As the season enters its final stretch, the Bulldogs want to build on this momentum, while Sam Houston State will aim to bounce back from this disappointing loss.
The resume implications of this result are clear: Louisiana Tech has significantly improved its tournament chances with this upset win, while Sam Houston State has taken a step back. As the conference standings continue to take shape, this game will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the season, one that could have far-reaching consequences for both teams.