Fisk Takes on Upset-Minded Dillard for Right to Play in the GCAC Championship Game
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- Fisk University Head Coach Kenny Anderson is looking to do something that no other men's basketball has done, reach the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference championship game. To do that, his team will have to overcome injuries and play hard as they take on the Dillard Bleu Devils who have already knocked out two other higher seeds this tournament, including the top-seed Tougaloo College.
"We just played them at their place, and it was tough to get out of there with a win," said Anderson. "I have said all season that any team in the conference can win it. Dillard is not going to come in and lay down for us just because we are a higher seed. They are a roll and we need to match their energy."
Fisk has won both contests this season. In the matchup at Dillard on February 15, the Bulldogs only gave up 47 points. Going into this game, both Fisk players, (Jayden Lockett and Tyon Thompson) who received awards in the GCAC this season are nursing lower body injuries.
WMG Pick2Click is Tyree Martin. The Bulldogs have turned to the 6'8 post player to get key rebounds and control the paint. He had five blocks against Wiley University on Friday. Look for him to be a force down low against Dillard who looks to get in the lane.
Game 30: #9 Dillard University vs. #4 Fisk University (14-15)
Date/Time: Saturday, March 2, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. (CST)
Watch: HBCU Plus
Location: Stillman College, Birthright Hall
Quick Hits:
Armstead Named Perry Wallace Courage Award Winner
Jeremiah Armstead came to Fisk last season after being homeless. His story was featured in The Washington Post. He was named the United States Basketball Writers' Association's 2024 Perry Wallace Courage Award winner. Armstead will be invited to take part in the NCAA's Final Four Weekend.
Anderson's Tough Schedule, Key Fisk Winning The Most Games in GCAC Play
The Bulldogs have won ten games in the GCAC for the first time in team history. Anderson is sure that his team's tough schedule, which included two games against NCAA D1 teams Tennessee State University and Austin Peay State University is the key to preparing the team.
Spicy Wings
Anderson has some athletic wings at his disposal, in Jayden Lockett, Tyon Thompson, and Blake Goodman. The three have shown up huge this season. Lockett, a former Mr. Basketball candidate in Tennessee, is filling up the scoresheet with "Scottie Pippen" type numbers. On January 9th, he scored his 1,000th career collegiate point. Thompson is the team's leading scorer, doubling up as a point guard at times. Goodman has four 30-point games this season with a high of 36 in the first game against Faulkner University.
Ashley and Martin Bring Physicality to Interior
One of the most expensive cars on the is an Ashton Martin. At Fisk Ashley and Maritn have been a motor in the middle that has helped the team succeed. Michael Ashley, a senior and former NCAA football player from Atlanta, and classmate Tyree Martin from Chicago are big and physical posts for the Bulldogs. Ashley is averaging 10.2 rebounds per game against conference opponents and the 6'9 Martin has made it tough for opponents to get points in the paint.