For the first time since the 2008-09 season, the Lipscomb men’s basketball team has won six straight games and is showing no signs of slowing down.
The Bisons made quick work of Stetson on Thursday night, dominating from the opening tip and cruising to a 94-68 victory in Allen Arena.
Lipscomb never trailed in the game, jumping out to a quick lead on several backdoor cuts for layups. The Bisons struggled from the 3-point line all night, going just 2-17, but used strong post play and aggressive driving to dismantle Stetson’s defense.
“The first half was the best we’ve played all year,” Coach Casey Alexander said after the game. “That was evidenced by the fact that we were 2-12 from three and still had a 22 point lead, so I was very pleased with that.”
Freshman guard Kenny Cooper sparked a 19-5 run at the end of the first half to extend the lead to 49-27. He got to the hoop with ease all night and finished with 14 points on 6-7 shooting.
“Probably the best part of the night for me was seeing Kenny play with a different gear,” Alexander said. “Hopefully he can use this and take off from here.”
The most dominating part of the night, however, came from the Lipscomb big-men. Forward Eli Pepper recorded a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds and Center Rob Marberry scored 23 points on 10-13 shooting to lead the Bisons in scoring. Lipscomb manhandled Stetson on the boards 47-28.
“Tonight they (the bigs) were particularly important because we weren’t scoring from the 3-point-line like we usually do,” Alexander said. “They’ve been putting in some really good minutes.”
Lipscomb shot 57.1% from the field and held Stetson to 35.8% in the game. The Bisons also outscored Stetson 58-34 in the paint and 38-20 in bench scoring.
Earlier in the season, Lipscomb suffered three final-possession losses in the span of 10 days, but Alexander urged his team to stick with it and believe in the process, trusting that the results would come eventually.
“All the credit goes to them for continuing to believe and continuing to go to work, and it honestly turned for us in the middle of some close losses where we were able to gain some confidence,” Alexander said. “There is so much left to be played, and we certainly haven’t arrived yet, but they should feel good about what they’re doing.”
Next up, the Bisons host FGCU in a battle of undefeated teams on Saturday in Allen Arena.
“They’re the most talented team in the league, and it will take a really good effort to win,” Alexander said.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics