The Southern Utah Thunderbirds pulled off a stunning 78-73 upset over the Texas at Arlington Mavericks, with Elijah Duval leading the charge with 20 points. This 5-point victory marked a significant 144-Net ranking point upset, as Southern Utah, ranked 293, took down Texas at Arlington, ranked 149. The Thunderbirds' record improved to 9-17, while the Mavericks fell to 14-11. Southern Utah's 34 points in the first period set the tone for the game, as they maintained a lead throughout, with a 44-point second period securing the win.
Elijah Duval's 20-Point Performance Marks 5th 20-Point Game of the Season
The game unfolded with Southern Utah taking an early lead, scoring 34 points in the first period, compared to Texas at Arlington's 29. The Mavericks attempted to mount a comeback, but the Thunderbirds' consistent scoring, with 44 points in the second period, kept them at bay. A key factor in the game was Southern Utah's ability to maintain their lead, despite Texas at Arlington's Marcell McCreary scoring 16 points. The Mavericks' Raysean Seamster also contributed 13 points and 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Thunderbirds' strong performance. At halftime, Southern Utah led 34-29, and they continued to build on this lead, ultimately securing a 78-73 victory.
Elijah Duval was the standout performer for Southern Utah, scoring 20 points to lead his team to victory. Dylan Jones also contributed 14 points, while Tanner Hayhurst added 11 points and 6 rebounds. For Texas at Arlington, Marcell McCreary led the way with 16 points, followed by Raysean Seamster's 13 points and 5 rebounds, and Jordan Lowery's 10 points. These performances showcased the talent on both teams, but ultimately, Southern Utah's balanced scoring was the deciding factor. Duval's 20 points marked a significant contribution to Southern Utah's 78-point total, and his performance will be remembered as a key factor in this upset victory.
The box score reveals some interesting statistics from the game. Southern Utah scored 44 points in the second period, compared to Texas at Arlington's 44, indicating a closely contested final 20 minutes. The Thunderbirds' 34 points in the first period set the tone for the game, and their ability to maintain this lead ultimately led to their victory. Texas at Arlington's Marcell McCreary scored 16 points, but his team's 29 points in the first period put them behind early. The Mavericks' 44 points in the second period were not enough to overcome the deficit, and they fell short, losing 78-73. These numbers highlight the competitive nature of the game and demonstrate how Southern Utah's strong start and consistent scoring led to their upset victory.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The CHD Scout prediction model was incorrect in this matchup, predicting a 13.6-point victory for Texas at Arlington, with a predicted score of 80-66. However, the actual result was a 5-point victory for Southern Utah, with a final score of 78-73. This discrepancy highlights the unpredictability of college basketball and the importance of considering multiple factors when making predictions. The model's error can be attributed to various factors, including the teams' recent performances, injuries, and other intangible aspects of the game. Despite this mistake, the CHD Scout model remains a valuable tool for analyzing and predicting college basketball games, with an accuracy rate of 70.2% over the past 100 games. In this case, the model underestimated Southern Utah's ability to compete with Texas at Arlington, and the Thunderbirds' 78-point performance exceeded expectations.
This upset victory has real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Southern Utah, the win improves their record to 9-17 and marks a Quadrant 3 victory, as Texas at Arlington is ranked 149. This win will help boost Southern Utah's Net ranking, currently at 293, and could potentially improve their tournament chances. On the other hand, the loss is a Quadrant 4 defeat for Texas at Arlington, which could hurt their tournament prospects. The Mavericks' record fell to 14-11, and their Net ranking may suffer as a result of this upset. As the season progresses, this game will be remembered as a key moment in the tournament picture, with Southern Utah's upset victory potentially altering the course of their season.
Southern Utah's next game is scheduled for February 17th against the Utah Valley Wolverines, while Texas at Arlington will face the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns on February 19th. Both teams want to build on their recent performances, with Southern Utah seeking to capitalize on their momentum and Texas at Arlington aiming to bounce back from this upset loss. With 5 games remaining in the regular season, every matchup is crucial, and these teams must perform at their best to achieve their tournament goals.