In their first win of the season, the Lipscomb men’s basketball team held off a late game surge by the Oakland City University Mighty Oaks to walk away with the 88-78 Monday night victory at Allen Arena.
The Mighty Oaks battled back from being down by 20 points at halftime. However, the Bisons were able to hold off the perimeter shooting of Oakland City, a major factor in accomplishing the win.
“[The win] would feel a lot better if we had played a more complete 40 minute game,” said Casey Alexander, who won his first game as the Bisons’ head coach. “But it’s still better than the alternative.”
Alexander said the team has also made adjustments from their last game, including improvements with turnovers and better defense.
“Tonight, we were much better at taking care of the ball and getting good shots, and then we also defended well.
“We just challenged them to be better, and in a lot of ways, we need to play without regard for the score or the opponent. Try to play your best on each possession, then, the results will more often be what you want them to be.”
Speaking of good results, junior forward Malcolm Smith produced a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Smith was 6-9 from the field, and knocked down both of his free throws.
Smith spoke about the team earning the win, a task accomplished after Friday’s loss to Belmont.
“Our coach told us good teams bounce back,” Smith said. “That’s something that everyone in the locker room knows. It’s common knowledge.”
Smith also gave insight into some of the ways he’s been practicing to improve upon for the new season ahead.
“This year, I want to make a better effort on the backboard, try to get more rebounds,” Smith said. “That’s been something I’ve been focusing on – knocking down shots, those type of things.”
After tonight’s victory, the Bisons will make their way to Memorial Gym to take on SEC foe Vanderbilt on Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics