Game 29: Fisk University Bulldogs (9-19) vs. Wilberforce University (13-13)

Date/Time: Wednesday February 26, 2025,  8 p.m. (CST)

Watch: UEN Network

Location: Stillman College - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (February 25, 2025) - After a shaky regular season where the Fisk University Bulldogs (9-19) did not have more than a one-game winning streak, the Bulldogs, which finished as the tenth seed, will have to find a way to win four in a row to secure a berth to the NAIA Tournament. Their first test is against the seven-seeded Wilberforce University Bulldogs, who have already defeated Fisk twice this month.

Regular Season Struggles

First year Fisk head coach Jeremiah Crutcher took over the team in late August. he Bulldogs experienced a turbulent regular season, unable to string together more than one consecutive victory. This inconsistency has led them to finish as the tenth seed, making their journey to the NAIA Tournament a challenging one. To advance, they must win four consecutive games, a feat they have yet to accomplish this season.

Upcoming Matchup

Their first challenge comes against the Wilberforce Bulldogs, the seventh seed, who have twice bested Fisk this month. If this game is reminiscent of the first two, look for a "Dog Fight". Both teams will have to wait until the last game of the night to compete, adding to the anticipation and pressure.

Previous Encounters

In their first clash, Wilberforce's standout player, Cali Davis, delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 36 points and hitting a crucial three-point basket to tie the game with just four seconds remaining. Fisk ultimately fell short, and the game showcased Davis's scoring prowess.

In their second meeting in Nashville, Davis's impact was limited as he fouled out and only managed four points. However, Eduardo Diaz stepped up, shooting 6-of-10 from three-point range and scoring 22 points off the bench. His contributions helped Wilberforce secure a narrow 75-73 victory, spoiling Fisk's Senior Night.

Key Players to Watch

- Cali Davis: A key player for Wilberforce, Davis's ability to score and perform in clutch moments makes him a significant threat.

- Eduardo Diaz: Diaz's shooting accuracy from beyond the arc and his ability to contribute off the bench provide Wilberforce with depth and versatility.

- Jamir Hymes: Runs the show for Wilberforce and is a tough on ball defender.

- Michael Ashley: One of the toughest players to ever put on a Fisk uniform. Ashley has been on a tare lately. He grabbed his 1,000^th career rebound on February 8, 2025, at Rust, then scored his 1,000th career point in his final home game on February 22, 2025 against Stillman.

- Doyel Cockrill III: After a blazing start in the first half of the season, Cockrill III found himself having to take over the point guard role after starter Mark Cooper missed with a lower body injury. Cooper is back so that means you will see Cockrill III back in his familiar shooting guard position. He seems to like playing at Stillman. He is averaging 21.3 ppg at Birthright Hall, with his career high of 37 points there.

- Justin McNelkan: McNelkan is tied for third in the country in three pointers made. With teams focusing on Cockrill III, McNelkan has benefited. He also likes playing at Stillman. He has scored in double-figures in all three games there this season.

As the Fisk Bulldogs prepare for this critical matchup, they must find a way to overcome their regular season inconsistencies and step up to the challenge. Only by securing a victory against Wilberforce can they keep their hopes of an NAIA Tournament berth alive.

KEY MATCHUP:

While the task of keeping Davis at bay, will be the focus, but the Bulldogs can't lose sight of Wilberforce's supporting cast. Inside players Nekthy James and space-eater Kenneth Jackson have given Wilberforce some key minutes lately. Fisk will need to use the energy of Solomon Mustafa-Reid, Ty Coley, Carrington Allen, and Jeremiah Armstead off the bench to support the starters.

WMG Pcik2Click:

Games like these always have a player that steps up. With both teams having a good scouting report on the other, look for Kailon Benton-Hamilton to play well and support the starting five.

NEXT UP:

The winner will take on second seeded Tougaloo.