Bulldogs Travel Up I-24 to Take on Austin Peay

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.— After a big win on Homecoming on Saturday, the Fisk University Bulldogs will travel to Clarksville, Tennessee, to take on their second NCAA Division I in a week in the Austin Peay State University Governors (1-1).

The Bulldogs (1-2) took a tough-luck loss to NAIA-ranked Faulkner University on the road to open the season. They then lost to NCAA DI Tennessee State University by 15 points. Their win on Saturday was against Wilberforce University, a team that will be joining their conference net season, The Bulldogs are playing one of the toughest schedules in the nation. Something that head coach Kenny Anderson is excited about.

"Our conference is a dogfight every night," said Anderson of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. "We put this schedule together to get guys prepared. We had Faulkner beat on the road but let them off the hook. TSU got a run late in the first half that we couldn't overcome, and Wilberforce beat us last year. I want to see us compete. You must love tough competition. If not, you are on the wrong team."

Last season, the Bulldogs went 8-16, a five-game improvement from the previous season. Tyon Thompson is the leading returning scorer (13.5 per game). The junior will be supported by returning seniors Michael Ashley and Jayden Lockett. Sophomore Justin McNelkin will be called upon to help with scoring. Junior Chris Spears Jr. and transfer Rodney Wiley will be asked to run the offense.

WMG Pick 2 Click: Blake Goodman scored 36 points in the opener against Faulkner University. He has scored a combined nine points in his last two contests. He is due for a huge offensive explosion. 

Pick 2 Click is sponsored by Wallace Media Group.

Game 4: Fisk University (1-2) at Austin Peay State University (1-1)

Date/Time: Monday, November 13 | 7 p.m. (CST)
Watch: austin-peay - ESPN Search

Radio: ESPN Clarksville (amperwave.net)

Live Stats: https://player.amperwave.net/7912

Location: Gary Mathews Court at F&M Bank Arena, Clarksville, Tennessee

Quick Hits

New Athletic Director with Old Roots Bringing New Direction

On October 6. 2023, Valencia Jordan was announced as the new Director of Athletics. Jordan returned to Fisk after playing basketball in 1981-82. She gained experience as the Assistant Athletic Director at Tennessee State University. She also coached volleyball and women's basketball there.

Anderson's Tough Schedule Will Be Key When Conference Play Starts

With two NCAA D1 teams (TSU and Austin Peay) on the schedule, one might think that head coach Kenny Anderson is setting his team up for failure. Anderson scheduled them, and NAIA powers Faulkner (AL) University, Clark Atlanta, Freed-Hardeman University, Bethel University, Life University, and Wilberforce University to set his team up for success once the conference season rolls around.

 Spicy Wings

Anderson has some athletic wings at his disposal, in Jayden Lockett, Tyon Thompson, and Blake Goodman. Already this season, the three have shown up huge. Lockett, a former Mr. Basketball candidate in Tennessee, is filling up the scoresheet with "Scottie Pippen" type numbers. Against Wilberforce, he had a triple-double of 18 points, 12 boards, and 10 helpers. Thompson scored 22 points against Wilberforce, including the game-winning shot, and Goodman had 36 points against Faulkner.

The Trees Are Growing Around Good Trouble U

Anderson jumped into the transfer portal to get a much bigger lineup. Two transfer players will have to sit out until they are qualified. They are Brazilian import Hamilton Wallace is the tallest recruit for Anderson at 7'1, Tyree Martin is 6'9, and freshman Solomon Mustafa-Reid is 6'8. He played in his first game this season against Wilberforce.

"We now look like a college team," said Anderson. "These guys will help us in the paint on both ends."

SCOUTING AUSTIN PEAY:

• Head coach Corey Gipson is one of the top young coaches in the country. Gipson played and was an assistant coach under legendary coach Dave Loos at APSU. This is his first season at Peay after leading Northwestern State to a program record 22-9 record last season, including an upset over then-15th-ranked TCU.
• Demarcus Sharp posted a game-high 23 points, 13 rebounds, and four steals in the game against George Mason. 19 of his points came in the second half.
• Ja'Monta Black has 11 tree point baskets in his two games this season, with nine coming in the victory over Life University. He led all scorers with 27 points.

The Bulldogs will travel to Huntsville, Alabama, to play in the UAH Bill Penny Crossover Classic on November 17 and 18. `