As we dive into the heart of the college basketball season, the importance of resume-building wins cannot be overstated, especially for teams dwelling on the tournament bubble. This Wednesday, a intriguing matchup between Southern Mississippi and Georgia State at the GSU Convocation Center will have real consequences for both teams' postseason aspirations. With neither team boasting a Quad 1 or Quad 2 win, this Quad 4 encounter may not seem like a high-stakes affair at first glance. However, consider that both teams are still seeking quality victories to bolster their tournament profiles, and the picture becomes clearer.
Georgia State, currently ranked 265th in the NET rankings, is in dire need of a statement win to revive their flagging tournament hopes. Their Quad record of 0-1 Q1, 0-2 Q2, 3-6 Q3, and 2-3 Q4 is underwhelming, to say the least. Meanwhile, Southern Mississippi, with a slightly better NET ranking of 227, is also searching for a marquee win to enhance their own bubble credentials. Their Quad record of 0-2 Q1, 0-3 Q2, 1-2 Q3, and 8-2 Q4 tells a similar story of unfulfilled potential.
CHD Scout Prediction
Southern Miss
74
Georgia State
71
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Southern Mississippi is favored to win by 2.6 points, with Georgia State holding a 40.2% win probability. While neither team has a player riding a significant hot streak, the home crowd at the GSU Convocation Center could provide a crucial boost for the Panthers. Still, it's hard to shake the feeling that Southern Mississippi's superior overall record and slightly better conference standing will give them the edge they need to come out on top.
In the end, I predict Southern Mississippi will eke out a narrow 74-71 victory, capitalizing on their slight advantage in overall talent and experience. The Golden Eagles' ability to dominate Quad 4 opponents, with an 8-2 record in such games, will ultimately prove to be the deciding factor in this closely contested matchup. While a win for either team won't drastically alter their tournament trajectory, it will undoubtedly provide a much-needed confidence boost as they navigate the remainder of their conference schedules.