More injuries plagued the Bisons Saturday as they fell to the no.1 team in the Atlantic Sun Conference 87-66.
The Bison’s were short two starting players entering the game against Mercer. Sophomore guard Talbott Denny and junior forward Martin Smith were both out with minor ankle injuries.
Smith is the Bison’s leading scorer this season with 301 points and averaging 16.7 points per game. Saturday was also the first time Smith has not started in 58 games, but redshirt freshman J.C. Hampton is encouraged that his teammates will soon be back on the court.
“I’m pretty sure Martin and Talbott should be back,” Hampton said. “Just minor ankle injuries, so hopefully we can get them back.”
Several other injuries this season have prevented the Bison’s from being at full strength. With redshirt freshman center Charles Smith and freshman forward Brett Wishon also out, the team is very guard heavy. This caused the Bison’s to struggle even more against Mercer who had a significant height advantage.
“It was a little challenge to us as we’re all guards,” Hampton said. “It’s a little hard scoring and on both ends of the floor.”
Despite the challenges during the game, senior guard Khion Sankey is very proud of the way his team fought.
“We played extremely hard,” Sankey said. “I felt like we got better as a team today, and I think everybody stepped up. Everybody took on the challenge.”
Sankey led the team with 19 points and five three pointers during the game.
The Bison’s have a week off to rest before facing conference opponent Northern Kentucky in a road matchup. The team is anxious to get to work and end next week with a win.
“We should be fine by Friday,” Hampton said. “Going to come back and get another conference win.”
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