In a closely contested matchup at DeGol Arena, Wagner outlasted Saint Francis by a 9-point margin, securing a 65-56 victory. The Red Flash, ranked 352nd in the NET rankings, held a narrow 1-point lead at halftime, but ultimately fell short in the second half. Meanwhile, the Seahawks, ranked 316th in the NET rankings, demonstrated resilience in the final 20 minutes to claim the win.
The game was marked by a seesawing pace, with both teams trading baskets in the first half. Wagner's defensive adjustments in the second half appeared to pay dividends, as the Seahawks outscored the Red Flash by 9 points in the final 20 minutes. The result reflected the slight disparity in team strength, with Wagner's higher NET ranking suggesting a slight edge in overall quality.
Travis Gray's performance was a decisive factor in Wagner's 65-56 victory over Saint Francis. The senior forward compiled a game-high 27 points, bolstered by a nearly perfect shooting performance at the free throw line where he converted all eight attempts. Gray also contributed 11 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on the glass. His 27 points were spread across 15 field goal attempts, with a notable 3-8 showing from beyond the arc.
Binael Basil's well-rounded outing supported Gray's dominant effort, as he secured 9 rebounds to go along with 3 assists and a blocked shot. Basil's contributions were balanced, with a mix of 2 made field goals and 4 made free throws, though he struggled with his 3-point shot, converting just 0-1 attempt. Nick Jones also chipped in with 9 points, but his 4-13 shooting from the field and 0-6 showing from beyond the arc limited his overall impact.
Zion Russell's 21 points were a bright spot for Saint Francis, but ultimately, it wasn't enough to overcome Wagner's balanced attack. Russell's efficiency from the field and three-point line was a positive, as he connected on 7 of 12 field goals and 4 of 6 three-point attempts. However, it was the second half where Wagner's defense tightened up, limiting Russell's opportunities and forcing him to rely on more difficult shots.
Skylar Wicks and Gestin Liberis struggled to find their rhythm on offense, with Wicks' 8 points coming on just 3 of 16 field goals, including a 0-for-9 performance from three-point range. Liberis's 8 points were largely the result of free throws, as he went 2 of 4 from the line. Despite their efforts, both players were shut down by Wagner's defense, which held them in check and forced them to work hard for every basket.
The remaining Wagner and Saint Francis players largely adhered to their season averages, with few notable deviations from established trends.
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Final
The pre-game prediction of a Wagner win by 5.6 points ultimately proved correct, as the Seahawks claimed a 9-point victory. While the margin of victory was wider than anticipated, the outcome itself was in line with expectations.
A closer examination of the in-game statistics reveals two key factors that contributed to Wagner's decisive win. Firstly, the Seahawks' ability to dominate the boards, with an in-game OREB rate of 33.3%, played a significant role in securing the victory. Wagner's proficiency in securing rebounds not only limited Saint Francis' second-chance opportunities but also allowed the Seahawks to maintain possession and capitalize on their own scoring chances. Secondly, Wagner's stifling defense, evident in the 25.9% three-point shooting percentage allowed, was crucial in limiting the Red Flash's outside shooting and forcing them to rely on two-point conversions, which ultimately proved less effective.
This result is a mixed bag for both teams, but ultimately, it has more significant implications for Wagner's NCAA Tournament resume. The Seahawks' win will likely keep them out of the field, but it also prevents them from potentially being relegated to a play-in game, where they might have been considered a long shot to advance. Saint Francis, on the other hand, now sits at 6-22, with a NET ranking of 352, and their chances of making the tournament are all but extinguished, making it increasingly likely they'll be one of the last four teams out when the selection committee convenes.