by Tanner Allen | Dec 11, 2015 | News Slider, Sports
Lipscomb men’s basketball defeated Cumberland 83-53 in Allen Arena Thursday night. It was a game of runs for the Bisons as they went on a 16-0 run in the first half starting just five minutes into the game, bringing the Bisons lead to 27-16. Cumberland slowly started to chip away at the lead before Lipscomb went on another big run, outscoring Cumberland 12-0 in the span of two minutes. “We don’t want to live and die by the run, but it’s always nice when it goes in our favor,” head coach Casey Alexander said. “Our defense played great, and got four blocks, and that was a big part of us going on those runs.” During a timeout in the first half, a video package of John Pierce played. Pierce was a Lipscomb basketball legend who broke the record for most points in a collegiate career. He broke the record against Cumberland 22 years ago. The Bisons and Bulldogs have a deep history, as they played each other 52 times when Lipscomb was in the NAIA. The two teams last met 14 years ago when Lipscomb was making the transition to NCAA Division I. “It was great to play this team again,” junior guard J.C. Hampton said. “There’s a lot of history between our two programs and I was excited to get to add to that history today.” Lipscomb shot a season high 48.4 percent from behind the three point line, making 15 threes. “We shot great today from behind the arc, but we need to develop our game,” Alexander said. “We can’t just be a three point team because that’s not...
by Tanner Allen | Dec 8, 2015 | News Slider, Sports
The Belmont Bruins defeated the Bisons 93-84 in the 138th game of the Battle of the Boulevard Monday night in Allen Arena. This rivalry match-up has become one of the best face-offs at the mid-major level in college basketball. Belmont won the past nine meetings between the two teams, beginning this streak in the 2012-2013 season. Lipscomb’s defense struggled to slow down Belmont during the start of the game Monday night. Halfway through the first half, the Bisons switched to a zone defense that slowed down the Bruins’ offense. “Switching to the zone helped our defense slow down one of the better offenses we are going to play this season,” head coach Casey Alexander said. “We were able to force Craig Bradshaw to go 1-7 during a stretch in the first half, and we were even able to cause a few turnovers.” Lipscomb shot a season high of 38 three-pointers with junior guard Josh Williams scoring 21 points total. This was the 24th time that Williams has scored 20 or more points in a game. Belmont swept the season series after beating the Bisons 105-89 on Dec. 1; however, Lipscomb leads the all-time series 73-65. Lipscomb is on a four game losing streak with the team’s last win coming over two weeks ago. “It can be hard going on a losing streak like this especially with a young team,” Alexander said. “We are working hard and preparing as much as we can prepare. We are just telling our guys to believe that it will pay off.” Lipscomb plays next Thursday at home against Princeton at 4 p.m. on ESPN3. Photos by Erin Turner and Ben Davis...
by Tanner Allen | Dec 3, 2015 | News Slider, Sports
The Lady Bisons basketball team lost to the Belmont Bruins 90-68 in the annual Battle of the Boulevard Wednesday night in Allen Arena. “They got out to a great start,” head coach Greg Brown said. “I thought we held our composure and came back until they went on a great run in the third period.” The Lady Bisons were held scoreless as Belmont went on a 15-0 run during the third period. Lipscomb committed five turnovers during their scoring drought. “We missed too many shots that we normally make,” Brown said. “When they are shooting the way they shot today, it can be hard to keep up. We’ve got to hit the open shots and they just weren’t falling today.” Senior Ashley Southern led the Lady Bisons in scoring with 23 points and the defense was able to enforce 21 turnovers from the Bruins during the course of the game. “We had times where we played really good defensively, but we need to have that intensity more consistently,” Brown said. “I’m glad we get a few more games at home coming up and I think we will have a great environment in these games here at home.” The Lady Bisons will face off against Morehead State on Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m. in Allen Arena. The game will be streamed on ESPN3. Photo courtesy of Lipscomb...
by Tanner Allen | Nov 8, 2015 | News Slider, Sports
After a fifth place finish last season, the Atlantic Sun preseason polls have the Bisons ranked fourth for the upcoming basketball season. “I think it’s a fair placement,” head coach Casey Alexander said. “It shows that people think we have a chance to be good and have a solid team.” Junior Josh Williams was one of six selections for the preseason All-Atlantic Sun team. He averaged 16.9 points per game last season and 4.9 rebounds per game. “Preseason nominations and awards are a reflection of what happened the year before,” Alexander said. “Josh had a great year last year. He was an All-Conference player so quite naturally with him coming back he’s going to get that recognition.” North Flordia defeated the Bisons in the first conference tournament last season and went on to take first place in the Atlantic Sun tournament. Preseason polls have North Florida ranked first place going into the 2016 season. “Everyone knows preseason polls and nominations are fun and it’s great to gauge yourself to other teams, but all that matters is the results at the end of the season,” Alexander said. “We still have to play the games.” Photo courtesy of Lipscomb...
by Tanner Allen | Nov 7, 2015 | News Slider, Sports
Lipscomb’s volleyball team came away with a 3-0 victory over Jacksonville on senior night Friday in Allen Arena. For seniors Jewell Dobson, Brittnay Estes, and Molly Spitznagle, all tri-captains, it was their last regular season home game. “All three of these girls have played significant roles throughout their careers,” Lipscomb coach Brandon Rosenthal said. “It is more than the sheer number of kills, blocks and digs. The thing I reflect upon more importantly is the legacy they are leaving us with. They are a major part of not just being successful but they are a major part of taking this program to the next level.” The seniors combined for 30 of the team’s 50 kills during senior night’s game. “I look at all three and I have to use the word ‘awesome’ because I think it is the right word when you look at all three and their contributions,” Rosenthal said. “When they arrived here we were around the top 100 in the country. Now we are in the top 50.” Coming into this season, Estes was selected for Atlantic Sun Preseason Player of the Year. “From day one you knew Brittnay was going to go out there and give you her absolute best,” Rosenthal said. “Brittnay has matured into an unbelievable leader. She has been the heartbeat of this team and the heartbeat of the program.” Dobson was selected for the preseason award last season, a year after winning the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year in 2013. Spitznagle was selected to the Atlantic Sun First Team All Conference last season. Estes and Dobson have been the best duo...
