Second-Half Surge Give Bulldogs Upset Win Over Bethel

MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Blake Goodman led four Fisk players in double-figures with 33 points, 20 coming in the second half, as the Fisk University Bulldogs (2-5) defeated the host Bethel University Wildcats (7-3) 90-83 in Bethel Thanksgiving action from McKenzie, Tennessee.

The Bulldogs shot 59 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc. Jayden Lockett (20 points) was a perfect 2-of-2 from the free throw and three-point lines. Goodman and Lockett shot a combined 20-of-30 from the field. Tyon Thompson added 14 points, and Allan Powell had ten off the bench. Assistant coach Russell Acklin coached the team with head coach Kenny Anderson out.

"Today, we as a team took major steps," said Acklin. "I can't remember the last time we beat Bethel if we have ever. We built this team to be a champion. Our schedule reflects how committed we are. I am very proud of our ever tonight."

First Half| Bethel 40-36, Bulldogs Hang Tough in Seesaw First Half

Goodman started the game hot, scoring the first five points. The first half was close until the Wildcats took a nine-point lead on a three-point basket by Conner Guthrie at 5:25. The Bulldogs chipped away and made the score 31-30 on a Goodman three-pointer. The see-saw battle continued until the end of the half, setting up an interesting second half.

Second Half| Fisk 54-43 Fisk Explodes, Then Hangs on For the Win

The Bulldogs scored the most points in a half this season and needed every one. Bethel came out fast and took a ten-point lead at the 15:35 mark. Down 59-52, the Bulldogs got hot, going on a 13-2 run to take a 65-62 lead. An and one by Goodman gave Fisk some breathing room at 5:58 to make the score 76-68. Goodman's two free throws gave the Bulldogs their biggest lead of the game, 83-71, with 3:51 left.

Bethel didn't go away easy as they went on a 12-3 run to cut the lead to 86-83. Two Rodney Wiley free throws and a runout dunk by Goodman sealed the victory. Goodman has scored at least 30 points in his last two games and has averaged 26.8 points per game in his previous four games. Fisk was able to hold off Bethel late after having lapses against other teams this season—something refreshing for Acklin.

"Tonight, we met the obstacles that they threw at us. We stayed calm and finished. I told them that this was a great effort. Bethel is a great team. They will win a lot of games this year."

The Bulldogs will finish their long road trip with a game against undefeated Life University today at 2 p.m. in the Bethel Thanksgiving Classic.