Dawgs Take on Arkansas Baptist in Final Nonconference Game
Game 22: Arkansas Baptist at Fisk University Bulldogs (7-14)
Date/Time: Tuesday January 21, 2025, 5 p.m. (CST)
Watch: UEN Network
Location: Henderson A. Johnson Arena – Fisk University
NASHVILLE (JANUARY 21, 2025) – For the second time this season, the Fisk University Men's Basketball team will take on the Arkansas Baptist University Buffaloes (Tuesday 5 p.m. UEN app).
In the first meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Buffaloes forced 25 turnovers and held Fisk to 51 points. Doyel Cockrill III was the lone Bulldog in double figures with 21 points. The taller Arkansas Baptist team outrebounded Fisk 46-35.
The Bulldogs were coming off a grueling stretch, where they played five games in seven days. Tuesday's matchup finds them well rested this time, as they have been idle since their January 9th home win against Oakwood University.
"With this being an out of conference game, we will try some new things to see who can help us down the stretch," said Fisk head coach Jeremiah Crutcher. "They are athletic and big so we will see who wants it. Playing at home should help. Hopefully we will play well."
Arkansas Baptist has a potent front line and a strong backcourt. They forced 25 and had a plethora of fast break baskets. Fisk will need to cut the turnovers in half to have a chance to win.
WMG Pick2Click
Look for athletic freshman Andre Bell to get heavy minutes. ABU loves to get out in transition. Bell is a tough defender that can be a strong finisher on the break.
Dawgs at a Glance
Don't Panic
At the press conference to announce Jeremiah Crutcher as the new coach, he told the Fisk faithful to be patient and don't panic. Crutcher has used the don't panic mantra all season. His thoughts are not to get too high when you win, and two low when you lose.
Cockrill Lives Up to Nickname
Nashville native Doyel Cockrill III was given the nickname "City Hero". His battles against Oakland University point guard Jaylon Jones since they were in middle school are still talked about by basketball savants in the city. The Cumberland University transfer has lived up to the hero name since donning the blue and gold of Fisk. He has earned conference weekly honors five times this season. He leads the conference with 58 made three pointers.
Coming From the Ashes
Grad student Michael Ashley made a last-minute decision to enroll into graduate school and continue his college career. Though he was undecided, Ashley stayed in the gym and weightroom during the offseason. The Atlanta native's 98 defensive rebounds is second in the HBCUAC in conference play.
Famous Grandfather
Junior Lucious Jackson is one of the top defenders on the team. His famous grandfather Luke Jackson was also a defensive stopper when he played in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers. The elder Jackson was the fourth pick in the 1964 NBA Draft and won an NBA title in 1967 playing on the same frontline as Wilt Chamberlain.
UP NEXT: The Bulldogs will go back in conference play when they go on the road to take on Talladega College.