The Wofford Terriers, led by Kahmare Holmes' impressive 22-point, 9-rebound, and 5-assist performance, managed to hold off the Virginia Military Institute Keydets 82-76 at the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. This victory marked Wofford's 18th win of the season, improving their record to 18-10. The Keydets, on the other hand, fell to 6-22, with their last 5 games resulting in losses, during which they were outscored by an average of 16.8 points. In this particular matchup, VMI's Tan Yildizoglu stood out with 25 points and 7 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Terriers' balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures, including Nils Machowski with 16 points and Brendan Rigsbee with 15 points. Wofford's 44-point first half set the tone for the game, as they shot 51.7% from the field, including 5 three-pointers.
As the game progressed, it became clear that Wofford's offense was the key factor, with 38 points in the second half, including 10 points from Holmes. The Terriers' ability to maintain a steady pace and capitalize on VMI's mistakes ultimately led to their victory. The Keydets, however, struggled to find consistency, with their top scorer, Yildizoglu, accounting for nearly a third of their total points. TJ Johnson's 20 points and 10 rebounds were a notable contribution, but the team's overall performance was marred by 14 turnovers and a 40% shooting percentage from the field. With 10 minutes left in the game, Wofford held a 12-point lead, but VMI managed to cut it down to 6 points with 2 minutes remaining, thanks to a 10-2 run. However, the Terriers' experience and composure allowed them to close out the game, with Holmes hitting a crucial jumper with 1:15 left to seal the win.
Wofford's 51.7% Shooting Percentage from the Field
The stat line doesn't do justice to the impact of Holmes' performance, as he consistently made big plays throughout the game. His ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls was a key factor, with 6 of his 22 points coming from the free-throw line. Machowski's 16 points, on the other hand, were a result of his hot shooting from beyond the arc, where he went 4-for-7. Rigsbee's 15 points were a reflection of his versatility, as he scored from both inside and outside the paint. For VMI, Yildizoglu's 25 points were a result of his relentless attacking, with 7 of his points coming from the free-throw line. Johnson's double-double was a notable achievement, but his 5 turnovers hindered the team's overall performance. With 5 minutes left in the game, Wofford's bench outscored VMI's 10-2, providing a crucial spark that helped the Terriers maintain their lead.
The CHD Scout prediction of Wofford winning by 16.5 points was correct, albeit with a smaller margin of victory.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The prediction was accurate due to Wofford's superior offense, which averaged 79.8 points per game over their last 5 matches. The Terriers' ability to score from multiple positions and their experience in close games were key factors in their victory. VMI, on the other hand, struggled to contain Wofford's offense, allowing them to shoot 51.7% from the field. The Keydets' own offense, which averaged 72.2 points per game over their last 5 matches, was unable to keep up with Wofford's pace. With 12 minutes left in the game, Wofford's offense was clicking, with a 12-2 run that put them up by 15 points. However, VMI's resilience and determination allowed them to stay within striking distance, ultimately falling short by 6 points.
The victory for Wofford marks their 2nd win in their last 5 games, during which they have been outscored by an average of 3.2 points. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with losses to UNC Greensboro and Samford, but this win against VMI is a step in the right direction. The Terriers' NET ranking of 230 is a reflection of their overall performance this season, with a 18-10 record and a 2-3 record in their last 5 games. For VMI, the loss extends their losing streak to 5 games, with their last win coming against a non-Division I opponent. The Keydets' NET ranking of 358 is a reflection of their struggles this season, with a 6-22 record and a 0-5 record in their last 5 games. With 8 minutes left in the game, Wofford's defense held VMI to just 2 points, allowing the Terriers to maintain their lead and secure the win.
This win for Wofford is crucial in terms of their tournament resume, as it improves their NET ranking and quad record. The Terriers' quad 4 game against VMI was a must-win, and they delivered. Although they are still on the bubble, this victory gives them a much-needed boost. For VMI, the loss is a significant blow to their already slim tournament hopes. The Keydets' quad 3 game against Wofford was a chance for them to make a statement, but they fell short. With this loss, VMI's tournament chances are all but extinguished, and they will likely be focusing on building for next season. The Terriers' win also marks a 6-point margin of victory, which is significant considering the CHD Scout prediction of a 16.5-point margin. This win is a reflection of Wofford's resilience and determination, as they were able to hold off a fierce VMI team and secure a crucial victory.
The game was a reflection of the competitive nature of college basketball, with both teams giving it their all. Wofford's victory was a result of their balanced attack and experience, while VMI's loss was a result of their inability to contain the Terriers' offense. The Keydets' 14 turnovers and 40% shooting percentage from the field were significant factors in their loss. With 2 minutes left in the game, Wofford's lead was cut to 6 points, but they managed to hold on and secure the win. The Terriers' 82-76 victory over VMI is a significant win, as it improves their record to 18-10 and gives them a much-needed boost in their tournament resume. The loss for VMI extends their losing streak to 5 games, with their last win coming against a non-Division I opponent. The Keydets' 6-22 record and 0-5 record in their last 5 games are a reflection of their struggles this season.
HEADLINE: Wofford Terriers Hold Off Virginia Military Institute Keydets 82-76 Behind Holmes' 22 Points SUBHEADLINE: Wofford's 18th win of the season improves their NET ranking to 230, giving them a much-needed boost in their tournament resume, with 79.8 points per game over their last 5 matches.