Southern pulled off a stunning upset at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, defeating Grambling State 71-53 in a non-conference matchup. The Jaguars, ranked 288th in the net rankings, handed the Tigers, ranked 272nd, a devastating 18-point loss. This outcome is a significant upset, considering Grambling State's higher ranking and home-court advantage.
The game got off to a rocky start for Grambling State, as Southern dominated the first half, taking a 34-22 lead into the break. The Jaguars' Fazl Oshodi set the tone early, scoring 16 points to lead all players. Derrius Ward was the top performer for Grambling State, finishing with 11 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Tigers' sluggish start. Jimel Lane and Jamil Muttilib also chipped in with 10 points each for Grambling State, but their efforts were overshadowed by Southern's balanced attack.
In the second half, Southern continued to pour it on, outscoring Grambling State 37-31 to seal the win. Michael Jacobs was instrumental in the Jaguars' victory, dishing out 9 assists to go along with his 14 points. Terrance Dixon Jr. also contributed 10 points for Southern, as the Jaguars' offense hummed along throughout the game.
The loss is a significant blow to Grambling State's resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 loss. On the other hand, Southern's win is also a Quadrant 4 victory, but it's a much-needed boost for a team looking to build momentum. The Jaguars' victory over a higher-ranked opponent will undoubtedly give them a confidence boost, even if it doesn't significantly improve their tournament chances.
Without a pre-game prediction to reference, it's clear that Southern's performance exceeded expectations. The Jaguars' ability to dominate Grambling State on the road is a reflection of their resilience and determination. As the season wears on, Southern want to build on this upset win and string together more victories to improve their tournament prospects.
The implications of this result are clear: Grambling State's loss hurts their already slim tournament chances, while Southern's win gives them a glimmer of hope. However, both teams still have a long way to go to become serious contenders. For now, Southern can bask in the glory of their upset win, while Grambling State must regroup and refocus to get their season back on track. The Jaguars' resume just got a bit more interesting, but they'll need to keep winning to make a serious push for the postseason.