Dawgs Travel to Ohio for Wilberforce POD
WILBERFORCE, OHIO (DECEMBER 12, 2024) – The Fisk University Bulldog basketball teams will look hit the road to travel north for the HBCU Athletic Conference's Wilberforce POD. In the POD, the Bulldogs will take on three teams in the Western Division. The conference went back to a POD schedule, because there are 13 teams in the conference, and this will save schools on travel expenses.
"We did this two years ago and we did fine," said Fisk women's head coach Victoria Crawford. "This is format is just like the tournament. We need to get used to it if we plan to go far. We need to play hard and see what happens."
On Friday, both teams will play the Virgin Islands. They will then be off on Saturday and Sunday, before playing Wiley University on Monday and the Philander Smith University on Tuesday.
Lady Dawgs Look to Make it Four Conference Wins in a Row, When They Take on UVI
Though they lost to Cumberland University their last time out on Tuesday, the Lady Bulldogs (4-5, 4-1) are on a three-game winning streak against conference foes. With two starters out, Crawford has been getting solid play from freshman Teniya Williams during their streak. Williams has surpassed her season-high in all three matchups, with her top scoring game of 17 points coming last Saturday against Voorhees.
For UVI (0-1, 0-0 HBCUAC), this will be their first conference matchup.
Fisk will lean heavily on Jayla Bibbs to control UVI guard Ashukamayah Phillips. Phillips was named to the preseason all-conference second team. She came in the season averaging 13.7 points per game. Last season in two games, Phillips averaged 18.5 points per game.
Date/Time: Friday, December 13, 2024, 4:00 p.m. (CST)
Game 10: University of the Virgin Islands (0-1, 0-0 HBCUAC) vs. Fisk University (4-5, 4-1 HBCUAC
Watch: UEN App
Live Stats: Virgin Islands vs. Fisk (TN) | PrimeTime | Fri, Dec. 13, 2024 5:00 PM EST
Location: Wilberforce Gym– Wilberforce, Ohio
Dawgs Look to Start Positive Streak Against UVI
First year Fisk head coach Jeremiah Crutcher coined the phrase before the season started, "Don't Panic". With nine losses in thirteen games, one would think that would be a reason to panic. For Crutcher, each loss has been a learning experience for his players, but especially for him.
"I have lofty goals, but I realize I need to be patient," said Crutcher. "Every loss has been something I can learn from and pass on to the players. When you look at it, every team that we lost to has been pretty good teams. I have been able to see what the future will be like here. Players seem to listen more after a loss than a win."
Fisk (5-9, 3-2 HBCUAC) has yet to have more than one game in a row. Their last time out, they defeated Voorhees at home. Reigning HBCUAC Newcomer of the Week Doyel Cockrill III still leads the conference in points per game at 20.2. He and Justin McNelkan have been hard to deal with behind the three-point line. McNelkan leads the conference with 47 made threes, and Cockrill III is second with 39.
UVI (1-2, 0-0 HBCUAC) will be playing in their first conference game. Last season, UVI upset top teams Philander Smith and Tougaloo. The Bulldogs will have to play well to defeat a well disciplined UVI team.
KEY MATCHUP
Last season Fisk gave up 81 points to UVI on the road and 56 at Fisk. They will need to bring that same defensive mentality on a neutral court. Michael Ashley and the rest of the frontline will need to control the inside if Fisk comes out with the win.
Date/Time: Friday, December 13, 2024, 6:00 p.m. (CST)
Game 14: University of the Virgin Islands (1-2, 0-0 HBCUAC) vs. Fisk University (5-9, 3-2 HBCUAC
Watch: UEN App
Live Stats: Virgin Islands vs. Fisk (TN) | PrimeTime | Fri, Dec. 13, 2024 5:00 PM EST
Location: Wilberforce Gym– Wilberforce, Ohio
UP NEXT: The Bulldogs will be off until Monday when they take on Wiley University in Wilberforce, Ohio.