In a stunning turn of events, Stony Brook pulled off a significant upset at the Schar Center, defeating Elon 72-68. This victory was a major statement for the Seawolves, who came into the game as underdogs despite their respectable 14-9 record. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Elon winning by 6 points, but Stony Brook had other plans, silencing the Phoenix faithful with a strong first-half performance.
The Seawolves dominated the opening 20 minutes, taking a 48-36 lead into halftime. Andrej Shoshkikj was instrumental in this surge, scoring 17 points and grabbing 8 rebounds to lead his team. Rob Brown III also chipped in with 17 points, helping Stony Brook build a substantial cushion. However, Elon refused to back down, with Chandler Cuthrell leading the charge. The Phoenix forward scored 17 points and pulled down 6 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the deficit.
Elon did make a push in the second half, outscoring Stony Brook 32-24, but it was too little, too late. The Phoenix's Ja'Juan Carr and Bryson Cokley each added 11 points, but their team's inability to contain Stony Brook's offense in the first half ultimately proved costly. As the final buzzer sounded, the Seawolves celebrated a hard-fought 4-point victory, one that will undoubtedly boost their confidence and tournament resume.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
This upset win is a significant resume-builder for Stony Brook, who moved to 14-9 on the season. The victory falls under Quadrant 3 for the Seawolves, a notable feather in their cap as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. On the other hand, this loss will sting for Elon, who slipped to 13-10 and suffered a Quadrant 4 defeat. The Phoenix had been trending upwards, but this setback may hinder their tournament aspirations.
The implications of this result cannot be overstated. Stony Brook's ability to take down a higher-ranked opponent on the road will undoubtedly turn heads, and their tournament chances will likely receive a boost. Conversely, Elon's loss may lead to a reevaluation of their postseason prospects. As the college basketball landscape continues to take shape, this upset victory will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the season. With this win, Stony Brook has firmly planted itself on the radar, and its resume is now more impressive than ever.