South Carolina State secured a hard-fought 74-72 win over Coppin State at the Physical Education Complex, thanks in large part to a strong performance from Noah Treadwell. The Bulldogs' guard poured in 19 points to pace his team, while Jayden Johnson added 18 points and 5 assists to help seal the deal. On the other side, Coppin State's Hassan Perkins led the charge with 16 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the visitors' balanced attack.
The first half saw South Carolina State take control, building a 28-23 lead by the break. However, Coppin State refused to back down, using a strong second-half surge to stay within striking distance. Torrin Andrews and Khali Horton chipped in with 12 points each for the Eagles, but their efforts were ultimately thwarted by the Bulldogs' clutch shooting late. Florian Tenebay's 10 points off the bench also proved crucial for South Carolina State, as they managed to hold off Coppin State's late push.
As the final minutes ticked away, the intensity in the Physical Education Complex reached a fever pitch. Coppin State fought to close the gap, but South Carolina State's composure and poise under pressure paid off. In the end, the Bulldogs' narrow margin of victory was a reflection of their resilience and determination.
With this win, South Carolina State improves to 5-16 on the season, while Coppin State falls to 3-19. While neither team is likely to make a deep postseason run, this victory could still have implications for the Bulldogs' tournament resume. As a Quadrant 4 win, it may not carry significant weight, but it's a step in the right direction for a team looking to build momentum.
For Coppin State, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially given the Eagles' strong second-half effort. As a Quadrant 4 game, this defeat won't hurt their resume too badly, but it's still a missed opportunity to pick up a win against a similarly struggling opponent.
In the end, South Carolina State's victory will be remembered for Noah Treadwell's standout performance and the team's collective grit in the face of adversity. As the season wears on, the Bulldogs want to build on this win and string together a few more victories to bolster their tournament chances. While it's unlikely that they'll make a serious push for the postseason, this win is a welcome boost to their resume, and they'll hope to carry this momentum forward into their next contest.