News Summary
The Jacksonville University Dolphins were defeated by the Incarnate Word Cardinals with a score of 87-71 in the CBI Quarterfinals. Despite high hopes and a solid record, the Dolphins struggled offensively, with key players underperforming. The game marked Jacksonville’s first postseason appearance since the 2016-17 season, and while it was a loss, it provided valuable experience for the team’s future endeavors. The Cardinals advance to the semifinals, facing Illinois State next.
Jacksonville Dolphins Take a Tough Loss to Incarnate Word Cardinals in CBI Quarterfinals
Sunny Daytona Beach, Florida was the lively backdrop for a thrilling clash between the Jacksonville University Dolphins and the Incarnate Word Cardinals. The two teams squared off on Monday in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), and while fans were hopeful for a Dolphins win, it was the Cardinals who surged ahead and took the game with an impressive score of 87-71.
Game Day Atmosphere
The game tipped off at noon ET at the Ocean Center, and with Jacksonville entering the match with a respectable record of 19-13, expectations were high. On the other side of the court, Incarnate Word walked in with an 18-16 record, fresh from their narrow first-round victory over Manhattan, which they won 92-85.
The Dolphins were set as 3.5-point favorites this time around, with an over/under figure established at 140.5. But it didn’t take long for the momentum of the game to shift. The Cardinals came out strong, scoring six points just 72 seconds into the game and holding onto that lead for the entire contest.
Dolphins Struggle Offensively
For Jacksonville, it was a tough outing, particularly on the offensive end. Their top scorer, Robert McCray V, struggled significantly, managing to put up only 3 points during his 23 minutes on the floor. While McCray’s performance was disappointing, there were a few bright spots for the Dolphins. Kendall Munson stepped up, leading the team with a solid 19 points and 7 rebounds. Fresh off the bench, Stephon Payne III added a commendable 11 points to the board, and Jakari Spence contributed 14 points.
However, the Dolphins ran into a significant roadblock when it came to turning the ball over, finishing the game with a staggering 18 turnovers. These mistakes were costly, allowing Incarnate Word to capitalize and score 21 points off those turnovers.
Incarnate Word Shows Dominance
The Cardinals showcased their offensive prowess throughout the match. Leading their scoring sheet was Davion Bailey, who set the court ablaze with a remarkable 23 points. He wasn’t alone, as Jalin Anderson quickly followed with 22 points of his own, while Jordan Pyke rounded out the trio of top scorers with 21 points. With such a strong offensive performance, it was clear that the Cardinals came ready to play.
A Step Towards the Future
This game held a significant place in the hearts of Dolphins fans as it marked Jacksonville’s first postseason tournament appearance since the 2016-17 season. Moreover, they hadn’t made the NCAA Tournament since the 1985-86 season, which made this matchup a stepping stone for the program’s future. Despite the loss, the team is keen to take the experience forward and build on what they’ve achieved this season.
What’s Next for Incarnate Word?
With their victory, Incarnate Word now advances to the semifinals of the CBI, where they will face off against Illinois State on Tuesday at 7 p.m.. As fans look ahead, they hope to see another exciting round of basketball unfold.
While the Dolphins did not walk away with a win, there’s much to be proud of this season, and the future looks bright for Jacksonville University basketball. The quest for improvement continues!
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Incarnate Word vs. Jacksonville
- CBS Sports: Jacksonville vs. Incarnate Word Preview
- FloHoops: Incarnate Word Advances to CBI Semifinals
- Jacksonville.com: CBI College Basketball Recap
- Our Midland: Incarnate Word Handles Jacksonville
- Wikipedia: College Basketball Invitational
- Google Search: Jacksonville Dolphins basketball
- Google Scholar: Incarnate Word basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
- Google News: Jacksonville Dolphins
