Western Carolina delivered a resounding 88-58 victory over Virginia Military Institute at the Ramsey Center, surpassing the pre-game prediction of a 5.9-point win. The Catamounts' impressive performance was fueled by a balanced attack, with Marcus Kell pacing the team with 18 points. Cord Stansberry and Julien Soumaoro also made significant contributions, scoring 17 and 12 points, respectively.
The home team set the tone early, taking a 39-33 lead into halftime. Western Carolina's offense continued to click in the second half, outscoring VMI 49-25 to seal the convincing win. The Catamounts' 30-point margin of victory far exceeded the predicted score, with CHD Scout's forecast of a narrow 70-64 win proving overly cautious.
AJ Clark was the bright spot for VMI, posting 17 points and 5 rebounds in a losing effort. Tan Yildizoglu added 13 points, while TJ Johnson chipped in with 9 points. However, the Keydets' efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Western Carolina's dominant team performance.
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Final
The win improves Western Carolina's record to 7-12, while VMI falls to 6-15. Although neither team is likely to be a major factor in the tournament conversation, the Catamounts' impressive showing will undoubtedly boost their confidence. Western Carolina's ability to exceed expectations and secure a decisive victory over a struggling VMI squad demonstrates their potential to compete against tougher opponents.
This matchup was classified as a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, with Western Carolina's current net ranking standing at 290 and VMI's at 352. While the outcome may not have significant tournament implications, the Catamounts' dominant performance will still be a valuable addition to their resume. As the season progresses, Western Carolina want to build on this momentum and secure more impressive wins to bolster their postseason chances.
The decisive victory also highlights the Catamounts' growth and improvement, particularly on the offensive end. With multiple players contributing to the scoring effort, Western Carolina's attack appears to be gaining traction. As they navigate the remainder of their schedule, the Catamounts will aim to maintain this level of performance and make a push for a stronger finish to the season. For now, the convincing win over VMI serves as a notable highlight on Western Carolina's resume, demonstrating their ability to dominate weaker opponents and potentially setting the stage for future success.