Wagner defeats Mercyhurst 80-83

The Wagner Seahawks pulled off a stunning 83-80 upset over the Mercyhurst Lakers at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, defying their 320 NET ranking and dealing a significant blow to Mercyhurst's postseason hopes. This outcome is particularly surprising given that Mercyhurst, with a 283 NET ranking, was expected to dominate, especially considering their recent trend of averaging 75 points per game over their last 5 contests, outscoring opponents by 3.2 points per game in that stretch. However, Wagner's ability to score 35 points in both the first and second periods, showcasing their balanced offense, ultimately led to their victory. The Seahawks' win marks a significant departure from their recent form, where they averaged just 67.2 points per game over their last 5 games, being outscored by 6.6 points per game.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the contest. Mercyhurst's Jake Lemelman led the charge for the Lakers, scoring 27 points, while Bernie Blunt III added 24 points. However, it was Wagner's depth and balance that ultimately was the difference, as they had three players score in double figures, including Nick Jones, who led the team with 19 points. The Seahawks' ability to spread the ball around and find open shooters was crucial, as they shot 43% from the field, including 35% from three-point range, where they made 7 out of 20 attempts. Mercyhurst, on the other hand, struggled from deep, shooting just 25% from three-point range, making 5 out of 20 attempts.

The stat line doesn't fully capture the impact of Wagner's Travis Gray, who scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, including several crucial boards in the final minutes of the game. Meanwhile, Mercyhurst's Qadir Martin, who scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, was nearly unstoppable in the paint, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Seahawks' balanced attack. As the game wore on, it became clear that Wagner's supporting cast was making a significant difference, with players like Michael Cooper and Gray making key plays on both ends of the floor. In contrast, Mercyhurst's bench struggled to make an impact, scoring just 10 points combined.

As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that CHD Scout's prediction of a 9.3-point Mercyhurst victory was well off the mark.

The prediction model likely underestimated the impact of Wagner's recent 79-78 win over Le Moyne, which showed that the Seahawks were capable of pulling off upset victories. Additionally, the model may have overestimated Mercyhurst's defensive capabilities, as the Lakers had allowed an average of 71.8 points per game over their last 5 contests. Wagner's ability to exploit these defensive weaknesses, particularly in the paint, where they scored 32 points, was a key factor in their victory. The Seahawks' 13-point performance in overtime also highlighted their ability to perform under pressure, as they made 5 out of 7 field goal attempts in the extra period.

The loss is a significant setback for Mercyhurst, who had been trending upwards with a 2-3 record over their last 5 games, including a 98-89 win over Saint Francis. The Lakers' recent form had suggested that they were capable of making a push for a higher seed line, but this loss may have dashed those hopes. Meanwhile, Wagner's win marks a major turning point for the Seahawks, who had been struggling to find consistency, with a 2-3 record over their last 5 games. The victory could potentially propel them into the tournament conversation, particularly if they can build on this momentum and string together a few more wins. With 10 wins on the season, Wagner is still a long shot for a tournament bid, but this win shows that they are capable of competing with higher-ranked teams.

The implications of this game are significant, as Mercyhurst's loss may have dropped them out of consideration for a higher seed line. The Lakers' current NET ranking of 283 is still relatively strong, but this loss may have hurt their chances of moving up. Meanwhile, Wagner's win may have boosted their tournament resume, particularly given that it was a Quadrant 4 game. The Seahawks' current NET ranking of 320 is still relatively low, but this win could potentially move them up a few spots. With a 10-16 record, Wagner is still a long shot for a tournament bid, but this win shows that they are capable of competing with higher-ranked teams. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this game and make a push for a stronger finish. Mercyhurst must regroup and refocus, as they have a tough schedule ahead, including games against teams like Saint Francis and Fairleigh Dickinson. Wagner, on the other hand, want to build on this momentum, as they have a relatively easier schedule, with games against teams like Stonehill and Le Moyne.

The final minutes of the game were a nail-biter, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a clear advantage. However, Wagner's experience and composure ultimately paid off, as they made several key plays late to secure the win. The Seahawks' 35% three-point shooting was a key factor in their victory, as they made 7 out of 20 attempts from beyond the arc. Mercyhurst, on the other hand, struggled from deep, making just 5 out of 20 attempts. The Lakers' 45% field goal shooting was not enough to overcome their struggles from three-point range, as they fell just short of pulling off the comeback. As the buzzer sounded, Wagner's players celebrated a hard-fought victory, while Mercyhurst was left to ponder what might have been. The loss is a tough pill to swallow for the Lakers, but they want to regroup and refocus as they head into the final stretch of the season.

In the end, Wagner's 83-80 upset victory over Mercyhurst will be remembered as one of the biggest surprises of the season. The Seahawks' ability to pull off the win despite being significant underdogs is a reflection of their resilience and determination. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this game and make a push for a stronger finish. With the tournament picture still taking shape, this win could potentially have real consequences for Wagner's postseason hopes. The Seahawks' 10-16 record is still a long way from tournament-worthy, but this win shows that they are capable of competing with higher-ranked teams. As the season heats up, Wagner want to build on this momentum and make a push for a stronger finish.