by Cory Woodroof | May 18, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
The university officially confirmed reports Saturday evening that former Stetson head coach and Belmont assistant Casey Alexander had been named the new coach of the Lipscomb men’s basketball team. The news first broke Friday night after a story was filed by Mike Organ of the Tennessean. Alexander comes to Lipscomb after serving two seasons as the head coach of the Stetson Hatters, a fellow Atlantic Sun team. During his time with the Hatters, Alexander posted up a 24-36 overall record. A member of the 1992-95 Belmont Bruins squad, Alexander worked as an assistant coach for Belmont for 16 seasons before making the move to DeLand, Florida in 2011. Alexander replaces former head coach Scott Sanderson, who resigned from the university in April after 14 seasons. Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson shared his excitement in the hiring through a press release issued by the university. “Casey has been part of successful programs wherever he has been,” Hutcheson said. “But, what I’m most impressed with is his understanding of the spirit, character and mission of Lipscomb University. He shares our values and is a proven player and coach. Casey has observed the Lipscomb program for a long time, and he understands in his bones who we are.” In the statement, the newly hired Alexander said that he’s looking forward to beginning his time as coach for the Bisons. “I’m very grateful to Lipscomb for giving me the opportunity to lead this great program,” Alexander said. “I appreciate their belief in me. Lipscomb University is a perfect fit for my family and me. We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. The philosophy...
by Cory Woodroof | Apr 9, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
After 14 seasons, Scott Sanderson has resigned as the head coach of the men’s basketball team to pursue other career opportunities, according to an announcement from the university this afternoon. “Scott has been a key part of Lipscomb athletics and its transition to NCAA Division I for more than 14 years,” university Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson said in a press release from the university. “I know him to be a man of fine character who is committed to the game,” Hutcheson said. “We have worked with Scott though many conversations recently as he has come to this decision. The university is committed to being helpful and generous as Scott and his family makes this transition. We wish him every success.” In a prepared statement, Sanderson thanked the university for his time with the team, wishing the program well as they move forward. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Lipscomb University for the wonderful 14 years my family and I have experienced here,” Sanderson said. “After much consideration, I believe it is time for me and the university to go in different directions. I do believe we have made positive strides in guiding the program from NAIA to NCAA Division I competition. “I would like to thank my current and former players, my coaching staff—both past and present—the administration, our board of trustees and our president, Dr. Randy Lowry. I wish Lipscomb University much success in all its future endeavors.” During his time as the coach of the Bisons, Sanderson’s teams had a 222-201 overall record. The Bisons also were the Atlantic Sun regular season...
by Cory Woodroof | Feb 17, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
Looking to shake off Thursday night’s loss to Stetson, the men’s basketball team posted up an 84 -74 win over the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles, currently the top team in the Atlantic Sun, Saturday night in Allen Arena. The victory snaps the Eagles’ seven-game win streak and marks the second time this season the Bisons have bested the visitors (they defeated the Eagles 87-78 in OT on Jan. 17 in an away game). The Bisons (now 10-15, 5-9 in conference) overcame a rough start that saw the Eagles (19-9, 11-4 in conference) leading 12-4 after the first four minutes of the half. Lipscomb slowly reduced the margin in the next six minutes, tying the ballgame at the 10 minute mark. The teams continued to battle for the lead, with the Eagles holding a slim four-point margin at the break. However, the Bisons fought their way back in the second, finally gaining the lead for good at 5:33 after a jumper by redshirt freshman Stephen Hurt. Lipscomb held off FGCU long enough to snag the big win. Sophomore Martin Smith was the team’s leading scorer and had a career night with 30 points. He also had 10 rebounds, which nets his first career double-double. Hurt also had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Deonte Alexander added in 14 points. Martin Smith (whose brother Malcom was held out tonight with an injury) said he felt that this win in particular was especially beneficial to the Bisons. “This is a win we needed,” Smith said. “Everybody’s kind of bunched up in the A-Sun.” Smith said he was happy...
by Emily Snell | Nov 6, 2012 | News Slider, Sports
Beginning with Friday night’s “Battle of the Boulevard” men’s basketball contest, Lipscomb, the Atlantic Sun Conference and ESPN are working together to bring six events live from Allen Arena in November on ESPN3, ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and through ESPN on Xbox LIVE. “In the world of athletics, there is no bigger brand than that of ESPN,” said Lipscomb Director of Athletics Philip Hutcheson. “The ability to collaborate with ESPN3 and the Atlantic Sun Conference allows us to exponentially increase our reach to fans of college athletics worldwide, and we are thrilled to be on the leading edge of this latest wave of on-campus production. “For Lipscomb alumni, fans, recruits and for fans of college athletics as a whole, this agreement represents another step toward deeper connections with the programs that mean the most to them. I am appreciative of the hours of work that ESPN3, the Atlantic Sun and the communications professionals on our campus have committed to make this happen.” The six-game slate kicks off Friday night at 6:30 p.m., as one of the nation’s premier men’s basketball rivalries renews between Lipscomb and Belmont. The Lady Bisons then get the spotlight on Monday, Nov. 12, as No. 17 Vanderbilt comes to Allen Arena for a 7:15 p.m. tipoff. The collaboration continues on Nov. 16-17, as the semifinal and final rounds of the A-Sun Volleyball Championship are aired as the Lady Bisons attempt to defend back-to-back-to-back A-Sun Tournament titles. The final game of the set airs on Monday, Nov. 26, as men’s basketball hosts defending...
by Cory Woodroof | Nov 1, 2012 | News Slider, Sports
The Lipscomb Bisons men’s basketball team played their only exhibition game of the season on Thursday against Freed Hardeman, defeating the Lions 99-84 in a match-up that served as a preview for the upcoming season. This was the 99th meeting between the Lipscomb and Freed Hardeman men’s basketball teams. Former NAIA rivals, the Bisons now lead the Lions 76-23 in the series. The Bisons have played the Lions in an exhibition game every year since entering the NCAA (excluding the 2010-2011 season). Redshirt freshmen center Stephen Hurt led the Bisons in scoring and rebounds with 21 points and 12 rebounds. He also had two assists and was six for seven on free-throws. Hurt believes that the Bisons were dominant on the offensive side of the ball. “I thought we played a really good game offensively. We’ve been working on our offense since we started practice. I think it’s working really good.” Hurt said. Hurt also believes that the team still has plenty of room to grow as the season progresses. “Defensively, we’ve got a lot to fix, but I think, you know, it’s the first game of the season and we can’t expect too much,” Hurt said. “It will come together as the season goes along.” Junior center Oscar Garcia scored the first two points of the game and led the team in assists with 4. Senior Deonte Alexander followed Hunt in scoring with 17 points. Sophomore forwards Malcom and Martin Smith both had 11 points, as did freshmen guard J.C. Hampton, who made three 3-pointers in the game. Junior guard Khion Sankey had 10 points and two assists....
