Bulldogs Take on Eighth-Ranked Freed-Hardeman
Winners of five out their last six, Fisk test their record against Freed-Hardeman.
NASHVILLE– After a successful trip to New Orleans where they went 2-0, The Fisk University Bulldogs (13-12) are back in Nashville for the first of two tough home games. On Tuesday, they will step out of conference play when they take on the NAIA's eighth ranked team the Freed-Hardeman Lions (22-4).
The Lions won the first matchup at home in Henderson, Tennessee 93-54, scoring 58 second half points. Freed comes into Nashville winning the last four matchup between the schools. The last time Fisk won was in 2018.
"They beat us pretty good up there," said Fisk Head Coach Kenny Anderson. "This is a good test for us to see how better we are playing. A great test before conference play next week."
Fisk comes in winners of five of their last six games. They are 9-3 since the calendar has turned to 2024. Jayden Lockett has been on fire in the six-game stretch, averaging 17.2 points per game. On Saturday, he scored a career-high 39 points against Southern University of New Orleans. It was the most points by a Fisk men's player since Cam Lewis hit 40 points in 2014.
Speaking of Lewis, he was a two-time NAIA All American, winning in 2014 at Fisk, then transferring to Freed-Hardeman the next year and winning the award there as well.
The WMG "Pick 2 Click" for the game is Tyon Thompson. Offensively, Thompson has struggled of late, but he has done other things to be involved in helping his team win.
Game 26: #8 Freed-Hardeman (20-4) at Fisk University (13-12, 9-6)
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 20 | 5:00 p.m. (CST)
Watch: Fisk Athletics YouTube
Location: Henderson A. Johnson Arena, Fisk University
Quick Hits:
Armstead Named Perry Wallace Courage Award Winner
Jeremiah Armstead came to Fisk last season after being homeless. His story was featured in The Washington Post. He was named the United States Basketball Writers' Association's 2024 Perry Wallace Courage Award winner. Armstead will be invited to take part in the NCAA's Final Four Weekend.
Anderson's Tough Schedule, Key Fisk Winning The Most Games in GCAC Play
The Bulldogs have won ten games in the GCAC for the first time in team history. Anderson is sure that his team's tough schedule, which included two games against NCAA D1 teams Tennessee State University and Austin Peay State University is the key to preparing the team.
Spicy Wings
Anderson has some athletic wings at his disposal, in Jayden Lockett, Tyon Thompson, and Blake Goodman. The three have shown up huge this season. Lockett, a former Mr. Basketball candidate in Tennessee, is filling up the scoresheet with "Scottie Pippen" type numbers. On January 9th, he scored his 1,000th career collegiate point. Thompson is the team's leading scorer, doubling up as a point guard at times. Goodman has four 30-point games this season with a high of 36 in the first game against Faulkner University.
Ashley and Martin Bring Physicality to Interior
One of the most expensive cars on the is an Ashton Martin. At Fisk Ashley and Maritn have been a motor in the middle that has helped the team succeed. Michael Ashley, a senior and former NCAA football player from Atlanta, and classmate Tyree Martin from Chicago are big and physical posts for the Bulldogs. Ashley is averaging 10.2 rebounds per game against conference opponents and the 6'9 Maritn has made it tough for opponents to get points in the paint.
NEXT UP:
The Bulldogs will take on Tougaloo College on Thursday for their final home game of the season.