In a closely contested battle, Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks emerged victorious over the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Trojans by a margin of five points. The Redhawks outscored the Trojans 40-33 in the second half, ultimately securing a 70-65 win at the Jack Stephens Center. The Redhawks' victory marked a significant upset, given the Trojans' lower NET ranking, which stood at 304 to the Redhawks' 214.
The game was indeed a tale of two halves, with the Trojans taking a narrow lead into the break after outscoring the Redhawks 32-30 in the first half. However, the Redhawks' second-half surge proved decisive, as they capitalized on the Trojans' inability to maintain their early advantage. Despite the narrow final margin, the Redhawks' superior second-half performance ultimately sealed their victory.
Luke Almodovar led the Redhawks with a team-high 13 points, shooting 50% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. He also secured five rebounds, demonstrating his versatility on both ends of the court. Almodovar's consistent shooting and defensive presence were crucial in Southeast Missouri State's victory.
Marqueas Bell and Braxton Stacker were also instrumental in the Redhawks' win, with Bell contributing 12 points and six rebounds, and Stacker adding 11 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Stacker's rebounding and defensive efforts, including a block, were particularly notable, as he helped to limit Little Rock's second-chance opportunities.
Kachi Nzeh's performance was a mixed bag, as he managed to find the basket with ease, converting 46.2% of his field goal attempts. However, his lack of assists and turnovers may indicate a struggle to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Despite his 16 points, he failed to make a significant impact on the game's pace.
Johnathan Lawson's all-around effort was admirable, as he chipped in with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. However, his shooting percentages were less than ideal, with a 27.3% mark from beyond the arc. He also managed to make 9 of 10 free throws, but the inconsistency from the field was a limiting factor. Lawson's 2 blocks were a bright spot, but ultimately, his team's inability to capitalize on his efforts proved costly.
Troy Cole Jr.'s outing was a notable departure from his season averages, as he nearly tripled his scoring output and more than doubled his rebounding total. This surge was not an isolated incident, as Cole's improved performance was reflected across the board, with his field goal percentage also exceeding his season average. While his assist total remained consistent, his overall efficiency and production were significantly elevated, suggesting that Cole's recent development may be a harbinger of increased contributions from the Southeast Missouri State forward.
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CORRECTPredicted
Final
The pre-game prediction proved accurate, as Southeast Missouri State emerged victorious by a margin of 5 points, well within the predicted range. However, the actual outcome was not as decisive as anticipated, suggesting that the game could have gone either way had a few key moments unfolded differently.
The difference in the game can be attributed to the stark contrast in shooting efficiency between the two teams. Southeast Missouri State's ability to convert at a 49.1% effective field goal rate, exceeding their season average, proved to be a significant factor in their victory. Conversely, Little Rock struggled to match their season average, shooting at a significantly lower 41.4% eFG%. Additionally, Southeast Missouri State's advantage on the glass, fueled by a 35.5% OREB rate, helped them secure crucial rebounds and maintain possession, ultimately contributing to their win.
The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks' victory marks a crucial addition to their NCAA Tournament resume, as they now possess a more respectable 18-11 overall record and a NET ranking of #214. Although they remain winless against Quad 1 opponents, their non-conference schedule still holds value, and a potential first-round bye in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament could propel them into a higher seed, potentially as high as a 13-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Conversely, the Little Rock Trojans' loss drops them to 11-18, with a NET ranking of #304, and while they have secured three Quad 2 wins, their overall resume remains thin, likely cementing their status as a 16-seed in the NCAA Tournament. With this outcome, the Redhawks have significantly bolstered their tournament prospects, while the Trojans face an uphill battle in securing a postseason berth.