In a stunning turn of events, Elon pulled off a monumental upset at the Schar Center, taking down William & Mary 79-76. The Phoenix, ranked 177th in the net rankings, handed the 101st-ranked Tribe a devastating loss, one that will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the college basketball landscape. This victory is a reflection of Elon's resilience and determination, as they overcame a strong first-half performance by William & Mary to emerge victorious.
The Tribe came out strong, building a 44-37 lead by halftime. Ryan Jackson Jr. was instrumental in William & Mary's early success, scoring 13 points to keep his team ahead. However, Elon refused to back down, with Chandler Cuthrell leading the charge. The Phoenix's top performer scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, sparking a second-half surge that saw Elon outscore William & Mary 42-32. Cuthrell's performance was complemented by solid showings from Ned Hull and Bryson Cokley, who each chipped in 14 points.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Elon winning by 2.8 points, and in a remarkable display of accuracy, the Phoenix delivered a 3-point victory. This outcome is a significant boost to Elon's resume, as they secured a Quadrant 3 win. For William & Mary, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which may impact their tournament chances.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a decisive advantage. However, Elon's second-half push ultimately was the difference-maker. The Phoenix's ability to adapt and adjust their strategy mid-game paid off, as they capitalized on William & Mary's mistakes and converted them into crucial points.
As the season progresses, this win will be a crucial component of Elon's tournament resume. The Phoenix have now improved to 13-9, and while they still have work to do, this upset victory demonstrates their potential to compete against stronger opponents. On the other hand, William & Mary's loss drops them to 14-7, and they must regroup and refocus to maintain their position in the rankings.
The implications of this result are significant, as it highlights the competitive balance in college basketball. Elon's win serves as a reminder that any team can beat another on a given day, and that upsets can occur at any time. As the tournament picture begins to take shape, this victory will be a vital part of Elon's narrative, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion and defeat a higher-ranked opponent. With this win, the Phoenix have injected new life into their season, and they want to build on this momentum as they pursue a tournament berth.