Dawgs Look to Get Revenge When They Take on Philander Smith
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Fisk University Bulldogs (8-10, 5-4 GCAC) struggled in December, losing two home games after being up big. On December 9, they took an 18-point lead into halftime but only scored 16 points the rest of the way in regulation, before falling in double overtime to the Philander Smith Panthers (14-5, 10-1 GCAC). Today, they will try to avenge that loss, after dropping a similar game at Wiley University on Thursday.
"Philander has always been a tough place to play for us," said Fisk Head Coach Kenny Anderson. "We had them down but didn't finish. If we want to stay in contention, we will have to stop losing big leads."
Jayden Lockett scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the loss on Thursday. The Bulldogs blew a five-point lead in the final minute to Wiley. Fisk will need to hold down Nashville native Derrick Woods who scored 18 points off the bench including a buzzer-beater to send the game into overtime. GCAC Preseason Player of the Year, Raymond Reece scored 14 and Christione Rufus chipped 11 in the contest.
The WMG "Pick 2 Click" for the game is Blake Goodman. This will be his third game since coming off a lower-body injury. Goodman was leading the team in scoring, but his average has dipped to 17.8 ppg.
Game 19: Fisk University (8-10, 5-4 GCAC) at Philander Smith University (14-5, 10-1 GCAC)
Date/Time: Saturday, January 26 | 5:00 p.m. (CST)
Watch: HBCU Plus
Location: Mims Gymnasium, Little Rock, Arkansas
Quick Hits
Athletic Director with Old Roots Bringing New Direction
On October 6. 2023, Valencia Jordan was announced as the new Director of Athletics. Jordan returned to Fisk after playing basketball in 1981-82. She gained experience as the Assistant Athletic Director at Tennessee State University. She also coached volleyball and women's basketball there.
Anderson's Tough Schedule Will Be Key When Conference Play Starts
With two NCAA D1 teams (TSU and Austin Peay) on the schedule, one might think that head coach Kenny Anderson is setting his team up for failure. Anderson scheduled them, and NAIA powers Faulkner (AL) University, Clark Atlanta, Freed-Hardeman University, Bethel University, Life University, and Wilberforce University to set his team up for success once the conference season rolls around.
Spicy Wings
Anderson has some athletic wings at his disposal, in Jayden Lockett, Tyon Thompson, and Blake Goodman. Already this season, the three have shown up huge. Lockett, a former Mr. Basketball candidate in Tennessee, is filling up the scoresheet with "Scottie Pippen" type numbers. Against Wilberforce, he had a triple-double of 18 points, 12 boards, and 10 helpers. Thompson scored 22 points against Wilberforce, including the game-winning shot, and Goodman had 36 points against Faulkner.
The Trees Are Growing Around Good Trouble U
Anderson jumped into the transfer portal to get a much bigger lineup. Two transfer players will have to sit out until they are qualified. They are Brazilian import Hamilton Wallace is the tallest recruit for Anderson at 7'1, Tyree Martin is 6'9, and freshman Solomon Mustafa-Reid is 6'8.
"We now look like a college team," said Anderson. "These guys will help us in the paint on both ends."
NEXT UP:
The Bulldogs will continue their road trip when they travel to Alabama to take on Talladega College.