Fisk Men's Basketball Aims for First Win Against UT Southern
Bulldogs seek redemption after close defeats to Faulkner and William Carey
Game 3: Fisk University Bulldogs (0-2) at UT
Date/Time: Tuesday October 28, 2025, 7:00 p.m. (CST)
Location: UT Southern – Pulaski, Tennessee
TV: Urban Edge Network
Preview: Bulldogs Hit the Road for UT Southern Clash
PULASKI, TN. - The Fisk University Bulldogs are set to travel south on I-65 with hopes of securing their first victory of the season as they face off against UT Southern. After being picked to finish tenth in the HBCU Athletic Conference preseason poll, Fisk is eager to defy expectations and bounce back from a pair of narrow losses that opened the campaign. UT Southern is 15-0 in the all time series against Fisk.
Recapping the Season Opener: Overtime Heartbreak
Fisk's season began with a dramatic overtime loss to Faulkner University. Despite holding late leads in both regulation and overtime, the Bulldogs struggled to close out the game, ultimately falling short in the extra period. Freshman guard Kaleb Jeffries provided a bright spot, dropping an impressive 24 points in his collegiate debut, showcasing his potential to be a key contributor for the team.
Battling William Carey: A Grueling Comeback Effort
The very next afternoon, Fisk found themselves trailing William Carey by 13 points at halftime and by as many as 19 during the second half. However, the Bulldogs refused to quit, mounting a spirited comeback to cut the deficit to just three points before running out of steam in the closing minutes. Junior transfer Simeon Williams was the standout performer, matching Jeffries' previous 24-point output and adding 14 rebounds to his stat line. Williams also contributed 15 points against Faulkner, earning him Newcomer of the Week honors in the conference. Kailon Benton-Hamilton added 17 points in the overtime defeat, providing additional offensive firepower.
Improving on the Boards
Rebounding was a point of emphasis for Fisk after being outrebounded 59-37 by Faulkner. The Bulldogs responded with a more competitive effort on the glass against William Carey, edging their opponents 39-36 in rebounds. Head Coach Jeremiah Crutcher acknowledged this improvement but remained focused on limiting points and second-chance opportunities moving forward. "We gave up too many points and rebounds for my liking," Crutcher said. "We will work on that. Those two teams we played will win a lot of games this year. Our schedule was set up for us to get ready for conference. UT Southern will be another tough test. We need to play much better if we want to start winning."
Looking Ahead: Keys to Victory Against UT Southern
- Lock Down Defense: The Bulldogs must improve their defensive execution, limiting easy baskets and controlling the boards.
- Consistent Scoring: Building upon standout performances from Jeffries and Williams will be crucial as Fisk seeks to establish a balanced offensive attack.
- Finishing Strong: Closing out games has been a challenge; maintaining composure and energy in the final minutes will be key.
Williams Receives Conference Honor
Simeon Williams made an immediate impact at Fisk, earning Newcomer of the Week after just two games. The Nashville native, a graduate of MLK Magnet High School, is seen by Coach Crutcher as having Division I talent and significant potential.
Williams Receives Conference Honor
Simeon Williams has quickly established himself as a key contributor for Fisk, making an immediate impact and earning Newcomer of the Week honors after just two games. Williams, a Nashville native and graduate of MLK Magnet High School, has caught the attention of Head Coach Jeremiah Crutcher, who recognizes his Division I-level talent and significant potential to elevate the team's performance.
As Fisk prepares for another tough road test at UT Southern, the Bulldogs are determined to translate their resilience and individual achievements into a collective win. With lessons learned from two hard-fought losses and a renewed focus on execution, they look to get on the winning side and set the tone for the rest of the season.
NEXT UP: The Bulldogs will play two games starting on October 31 in the Lindsey Wilson Classic.
