- ODU ends six-game losing streak with first win since February 10
- Davis leads scoring despite 29% field goal efficiency
- Chanticleers' Battle drops game-high 20 points in losing effort
In a tense Sun Belt Conference showdown, Old Dominion's men's basketball team rallied behind Robert Davis Jr.'s 14-point performance to secure a season-saving 61-59 victory against Coastal Carolina. The Friday night clash at the HTC Center saw the Monarchs overcome a 37% team shooting percentage through disciplined free-throw execution, converting 18-of-20 attempts from the charity stripe.
Regional sports analysts highlight this win as critical for Virginia-based ODU's conference tournament seeding. The Monarchs (12-19, 8-10) demonstrated improved defensive coordination, holding Coastal Carolina to 41% shooting from the floor while forcing 14 turnovers. This victory marks ODU's first win in Conway since 2018, shifting momentum ahead of next week's Sun Belt Championship.
Durugordon's double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds) proved vital in containing Coastal's frontcourt dominance. The Chanticleers (10-21, 3-15) missed three potential game-tying shots in the final 90 seconds, including Colin Granger's contested layup at the buzzer. South Carolina basketball enthusiasts noted the game's intensity reflected growing regional rivalries within the Sun Belt's Eastern Division.
Industry Insight: Mid-major conference games now account for 38% of NCAA Tournament upset potential (per 2023 Sports Analytics Report). ODU's victory demonstrates how strategic foul management – they committed only 14 personal fouls – can preserve leads in low-scoring matchups. The Monarchs' +8 rebound differential (42-34) aligns with championship-level teams' average margin in conference play.
With this win, Old Dominion secures the No. 10 seed in the upcoming Sun Belt Tournament, potentially facing Appalachian State in the first round. Coach Jeff Jones emphasized post-game that 'late-game execution separates contenders from pretenders,' referencing Blakney's perfect 6-for-6 free-throw performance under pressure.