Utah Tech's Noah Bolanga stole the show at Wisdom Gym, scoring 23 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to lead his team to a 65-59 win over Tarleton State. The victory marked a notable road win for Utah Tech, who improved their record to 13-11. Tarleton State, on the other hand, fell to 11-11, despite a strong effort from Cam McDowell, who scored 16 points and added 5 rebounds.
The game got off to a slow start, with Utah Tech trailing 30-29 at halftime. However, they came out strong in the second half, outscoring Tarleton State 36-29 to secure the win. Bolanga's performance was the key factor in Utah Tech's success, as he consistently found ways to score and create opportunities for his teammates. Jusaun Holt and Britton Berrett also made significant contributions, scoring 9 points each and helping to stretch Tarleton State's defense.
Tarleton State's McDowell was ably supported by Ocypher Owens, who scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, and Chris Mpaka, who pulled down 11 rebounds to go along with his 9 points. Despite these efforts, the team was ultimately unable to overcome Utah Tech's balanced attack and Bolanga's standout performance.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win was a significant one for Utah Tech, as it came against a team that CHD Scout had predicted would win by 4.8 points. In reality, Utah Tech emerged victorious by 6 points, a margin that will likely give their resume a boost. The game was classified as a Quadrant 3 win for Utah Tech, which could prove valuable as they look to strengthen their tournament chances.
For Tarleton State, the loss was a Quadrant 4 defeat, which may hurt their chances of making a deep postseason run. Despite this, the team showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the first half, and want to build on these positives as they move forward. McDowell's performance, in particular, was a bright spot, and he will be a key player to watch as the season unfolds.
As it stands, Utah Tech's win has given them a slight edge in terms of tournament positioning. With a current net ranking of 195, they want to continue building momentum and securing key wins to bolster their resume. The victory over Tarleton State is a significant step in the right direction, and Bolanga's performance will be remembered as a key factor in the team's success. As the season enters its final stretch, Utah Tech will be a team to watch, and their chances of making a tournament run will be closely monitored.