New Orleans Stuns Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in 6-Point Upset

In a shocking turn of events, New Orleans pulled off a stunning upset over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, winning 84-78 at Lakefront Arena. This outcome is all the more surprising given the Islanders' 13-12 record and net ranking of 195, compared to the Privateers' 11-14 record and net ranking of 223. The six-point margin of victory may not seem massive, but the implications of this win are significant, as New Orleans was expected to struggle against their opponents.

Jakevion Buckley was the star of the show for New Orleans, scoring 22 points to lead his team to victory. He was supported by Coleton Benson, who added 18 points, and TJ Cope, who chipped in with 16 points and 6 rebounds. On the other side, Sheldon Williams had a impressive performance for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the Privateers' balanced attack.

At halftime, New Orleans held a slim 35-30 lead, but Texas A&M-Corpus Christi fought back in the second half, outscoring the Privateers 37-32. However, New Orleans' strong start and timely baskets late allowed them to hold on for the win. The Privateers' victory is even more impressive given that CHD Scout predicted a narrow 74-73 win for New Orleans, with a predicted margin of just 0.9 points. In the end, the Privateers exceeded expectations, winning by a more comfortable six-point margin.

The upset win has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For New Orleans, this victory is a much-needed Quad 4 win, which could help bolster their resume. However, it's worth noting that a Quad 4 win may not carry significant weight in the eyes of the selection committee. On the other hand, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's loss is a Quad 3 defeat, which may not be devastating, but it's still a missed opportunity for the Islanders to pick up a win against a lower-ranked opponent.

The Privateers' win is a reflection of their resilience and determination. Despite being the underdogs, they came out strong and played with a sense of urgency, knowing that a win would be a significant boost to their tournament hopes. While it's still a long shot for New Orleans to make a deep run in the tournament, this win gives them a glimmer of hope and shows that they're capable of competing with teams above their pay grade.