Lady Dawgs to Host Strong Stillman Tigers on Greek/Spirit Night
Game 26: Stillman College Tigers (23-4, 16-1 HBCUAC) Fisk University Lady Bulldogs (10-15, 10-7 HBCUAC)
Date/Time: Thursday February 20, 2025, 5 p.m. (CST)
Watch: UEN Network
Location: Fisk University – Henderson A. Johnson Arena
NASHVILLE (February 20, 2025)- Fisk University Lady Bulldogs, led by head coach Victoria Crawford, are set to confront the Stillman College Tigers at home in a basketball clash that has garnered significant attention. The Lady Bulldogs (10-15), holding a steady HBCUAC record of 10-7 this season, face an uphill battle against the Tigers, who boast an impressive 23-4 overall record and sit up top the conference East Division with a 16-1 record. This faceoff comes with additional fervor as part of the Greek/Spirit Night celebrations, promising an electrifying atmosphere.
This will be the final regular test for both teams, as the conference tournament is set for next week. The Tigers, who will be hosting the tournament, will try to keep their road record unblemished. They are 9-0 in games at opponents' courts, including a 70-67 win at Wilberforce on Tuesday. Kashara Preston, who came into the game with a 3.6 points per game average, scored 20 points and was an impressive 6-of-7 from behind the arc.
Having prevailed in their last encounter by a narrow 67-64 at Stillman, the Tigers pose a formidable challenge, especially with standout players like Jaida Minter, Jamariah Turner, and Renee Suggs. However, Fisk is not without its own arsenal. Players such as Keeli Burton-Oliver, Jayla Bibbs, Dee Scott, and Courtney Lumpkins are prepped to make significant impacts.
Crawford emphasized the challenge ahead, stating, "They are undefeated on the road, so the challenge will be difficult."
This game not only represents a pivotal moment in their HBCUAC campaign but also an opportunity for Fisk to prove their mettle against one of the league's top teams during a key community event.
Key Matchup
Averaging 12.9 points per game, Jaida Minter leads the conference with a 42 shooting percentage from behind the three-point line. Courtney Lumpkins will need to stay at home if she gets the assignment on Minter. In the previous matchup, Lumpkins outscored Minter 17-14.
WMG Pick2Click
Fisk has a size advantage and is looking for Stillman to try to neutralize Burton-Oliver. That should free up either Scott or A'Niya Young to roam the inside.
Lady Dawgs at A Glance
Senior Leadership
The days of college players playing for four years at one school have become a loss art. The Fisk Women's Basketball Team has done a pretty good job of keeping players in school through their eligibility. With a mixture of returning players and transfers, Fisk started the season with nine seniors on their roster. The team heads into the second semester with seven.
Mia Robinson, Dee Scott and A'Niya Young are three holdovers from the highly decorated "Notorious Nine" recruiting class of 2021. They join Jayla Bibbs, Keeli Burton-Oliver, Courtney Lumpkins, and Ami McClow as the seven seniors.
Playing Big
Burton-Oliver has been named the conference Newcomer of the Week three of the past four weeks. Her 32 points on Saturday was a career high.
UP NEXT: The Lady Bulldogs will be playing in the HBCUAC tournament starting next week. Check www.fiskathletics.com for more information.