In a stunning turn of events, Texas Southern pulled off a significant upset at the Al Lawson Center, defeating Florida A&M 62-57 in a conference matchup. The Tigers, ranked 333 in the net rankings, were not given much of a chance against the 327-ranked Rattlers, with CHD Scout predicting a narrow 76-75 Florida A&M win. However, Texas Southern had other plans, riding a strong performance from Troy Hupstead to secure the five-point victory.
Troy Hupstead's 24-Point Outburst Marks Season High
Hupstead was unstoppable, scoring 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead the Tigers to their seventh win of the season. He was supported by Bryce Roberts, who chipped in with 14 points, and Jaylen Wysinger, who added 11 points. For Florida A&M, Micah Octave was the standout player, recording a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Antonio Baker Jr. and Jordan Chatman also made significant contributions, scoring 11 and nine points, respectively.
The game was closely contested throughout, with Texas Southern trailing by just one point at halftime, 31-30. The Tigers came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Rattlers 32-26 to seal the win. The victory is a significant boost for Texas Southern's resume, as it marks a Quadrant 4 win for the Tigers. Conversely, the loss is a damaging blow to Florida A&M's tournament hopes, as it represents a Quadrant 4 loss for the Rattlers.
CHD Scout Report Card
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The upset win is all the more impressive given the pre-game predictions. CHD Scout had Florida A&M as the narrow favorite, but Texas Southern's performance proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the SWAC. The Tigers' ability to withstand the Rattlers' attack and pull off the win on the road is a reflection of their resilience and determination.
As the season enters its final stretch, this result has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For Texas Southern, the win provides a much-needed boost to their resume, although they still have a long way to go to become a serious contender. For Florida A&M, the loss is a setback, but they can still recover with strong performances in their remaining games. However, the Rattlers must regroup and refocus quickly to get their season back on track.
The outcome of this game serves as a reminder that upsets can happen at any time in college basketball, and teams can never be complacent. Texas Southern's victory over Florida A&M is a prime example of this, and it will be interesting to see how both teams respond to this result in their upcoming games.