In a shocking turn of events, Alcorn State pulled off a stunning upset over Southern, defeating the Jaguars 78-73 at the Davey L. Whitney Complex. This monumental win marked a significant milestone for the Braves, who entered the game with a 4-16 record and a net ranking of 353. The victory was all the more impressive considering CHD Scout had predicted a 7-point win for Southern, highlighting the vast disparity between the two teams on paper.
The game got off to a tightly contested start, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. At halftime, the score was knotted at 38-38, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. Alcorn State's Shane Lancaster was instrumental in the Braves' success, scoring 22 points and dishing out 5 assists to pace his team. Omari Hamilton and Jameel Morris also made significant contributions, scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Southern, meanwhile, was led by the impressive play of Terrance Dixon Jr., who notched a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. DaMariee Jones and Michael Jacobs also chipped in with 14 and 13 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Braves' determined effort. Despite being predicted to win by 7 points, Southern struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the second half, where they were outscored 40-35.
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The upset win has real consequences for both teams, particularly when it comes to their tournament resumes. For Alcorn State, the victory marks a rare Quad 4 win, which, although not highly valued, still represents a much-needed boost to their otherwise lackluster record. On the other hand, Southern's loss will be viewed as a missed opportunity, as they fell to a team ranked significantly lower than them. The Jaguars' current net ranking of 292 will likely take a hit, making their path to a potential tournament berth even more challenging.
As the season wears on, Alcorn State's improbable win will serve as a reminder that even the most unlikely of teams can rise to the occasion and pull off a stunning upset. While the Braves' chances of making a deep tournament run remain slim, this victory will undoubtedly give them a much-needed confidence boost. For Southern, the loss will serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the need to refocus and regroup in order to achieve their season goals. The Braves' upset win over the Jaguars will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most surprising results of the season, and its impact will be felt for weeks to come.