The Lipscomb men’s basketball team took down FGCU in an ASUN quarter-finals thriller. The third seed Bisons defeated the sixth seed Eagles 68-63.
“It was a really important game. Obviously, it’s an eliminations game. We knew that we were going to have to play hard because they weren’t going to give up because it’s an elimination game for them as well,” said sophomore center Ahsan Asadullah.
Both teams had sharpshooting in the first half, shooting 45 percent from the floor. The score was tied four times and saw five lead changes in the first half.
However, and 8-3 run from the Eagles put them up 33-32 at the half.
The second half was a back and forth game. Lipscomb came out on an 8-2 run with back-to-back baskets from Ahsan Asadullah. But FGCU responded with a 7-0 run of their own.
“I’m real proud of our kids. A month ago we were 7-13 and 2-5 in the league, but we never quit we just kept coming and coming,” said Acuff.
Asadullah, named first-team All ASUN earlier in the day, stepped up for his team with a career-high 40 points along with 14 rebounds.
“I have been fortunate to have a lot of good players and some guys that have played at a high level, but that right there — to put the chips on the table put everything on the line. That’s as good as I’ve ever seen,” said Acuff.
Greg Jones chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds and Michael Buckland had 8 points with 5 rebounds.
“Even though Ahsan obviously is the main story tonight and he deserves to be — We had some guys make some big plays,” said Acuff. “You know Fleming made a big rebound and threw it out to Greg Jones and made a three.”
Asadullah hit the shot that secured the lead for Lipscomb with 2:42 left to play.
“It’s just a really good night I’m so appreciative of everyone who was here,” said Acuff.
Lipscomb advances to the ASUN Semifinals at North Florida on Thursday, March 5 for a 7 PM ET tipoff.
“They are really good. I just have so much respect for them and their program,” said Acuff.
Gallery courtesy of Mckenzi Harris.