Bethune-Cookman delivered a strong performance at Moore Gymnasium, defeating Texas Southern 79-69 in a non-conference matchup. The Wildcats' victory was fueled by a balanced effort, with three players scoring in double figures. Tyler Andrews led the way with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Jakobi Heady and Arterio Morris chipped in with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Tyler Andrews Grabs 7 Rebounds to Lead Bethune-Cookman
The game got off to a slow start, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the first half. Bethune-Cookman and Texas Southern were tied at 31-31 at the break, setting the stage for a competitive second half. However, the Wildcats pulled away in the final 20 minutes, outscoring the Tigers 33-33 in the second period, but their strong first half defense allowed them to maintain a lead throughout.
Bryce Roberts was the top performer for Texas Southern, scoring 16 points in the losing effort. Troy Hupstead also had a notable game, grabbing 15 rebounds to go along with his 10 points. Despite these individual efforts, the Tigers were unable to overcome the balanced attack of Bethune-Cookman.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout had predicted a Bethune-Cookman victory, with the Wildcats winning by 11.5 points. The actual margin of 10 points was close to the predicted outcome, validating the scouting report. The win improves Bethune-Cookman's record to 13-11, while Texas Southern falls to 7-15.
This game had real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Bethune-Cookman, the victory counts as a Quadrant 4 win, which may not greatly impact their tournament chances but does help to bolster their overall record. On the other hand, the loss for Texas Southern is classified as a Quadrant 3 defeat, which is more forgivable given the difference in the teams' net rankings. Bethune-Cookman's net ranking of 235 is significantly higher than Texas Southern's 326, making this outcome expected but still important for the Wildcats' postseason hopes.
The win for Bethune-Cookman keeps them in the hunt for a potential tournament bid, although their chances are still on the bubble. With a record of 13-11, the Wildcats must continue to rack up wins to improve their resume. As for Texas Southern, their tournament chances are all but extinguished, and they will likely be focusing on building momentum for next season.