Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's strong second-half performance propelled them to an 83-76 victory over Nicholls State at David R. Stopher Gymnasium. The Islanders, led by Nick Shogbonyo's 17 points and 9 rebounds, outscored Nicholls State 44-38 in the final 20 minutes to secure the win. Sincere Malone paced Nicholls State with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Islanders' balanced attack.
Nick Shogbonyo's 9 Rebounds Mark a Season High
At halftime, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi held a slim 39-38 lead, thanks in part to Franck Yetna's 17 points. However, Nicholls State's Jalik Dunkley and Trae English kept their team within striking distance, combining for 33 points. As the second half unfolded, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's Sheldon Williams chipped in with 10 points and 7 rebounds, helping to stretch the Islanders' lead.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Nicholls State edging Texas A&M-Corpus Christi by 0.7 points, but the actual margin of 7 points in favor of the Islanders was a significant departure from the expected outcome. The win marked a notable conference victory for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who improved to 13-11 on the season.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The loss dropped Nicholls State to 10-14, and while it was not an upset, it was a missed opportunity for the Colonels to gain ground in the conference standings. With the game being a Quadrant 4 contest for Nicholls State and a Quadrant 3 game for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the implications for the Colonels' tournament resume are significant. The defeat will likely hinder Nicholls State's chances of making a postseason push, as Quadrant 4 losses can be particularly damaging to a team's NET ranking.
For Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the win is a boost to their tournament hopes, as it adds a Quadrant 3 victory to their resume. With a current NET ranking of 202, the Islanders still have work to do to secure a spot in the postseason, but this win is a step in the right direction. As the season enters its final stretch, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi want to build on this momentum and make a strong case for tournament consideration.