Lady Dawgs Pay Back UT Southern to Close Out 2023

PULASKI, Tenn.---- With UT Southern focusing on holding down All-American Maya Buckhanon, the Fisk University Lady Bulldogs got their second big game in a row from Liz Gibbs in Fisk's 66-60 road win over UTS.

Buckhanon still managed to score 19 points and grab 15 rebounds, but it was Gibbs going 4-of-5 from the field, 2-of-2 from behind the arc that UTS was not ready for. Gibbs was scoreless in the 76-74 loss on November 22.

"We knew what Liz could do when we brought her here," said Fisk Head Coach Victoria Crawford. "She needed to understand that herself. I hope she will carry this on for the rest of the season."

First Quarter | 15-15 Fisk Finishes Quarter Strong to Get Back in the Game

UTS started fast, running out to a 7-0 lead before Buckhanon got Fisk on the board with a layup at the 7:37 mark. The Lady Dogs clawed back and took the lead on two free throws by De'Lesia Scott to make the score 10-9. A Gibbs three-pointer gave Fisk their biggest lead of the quarter at 15-13.

Second Quarter |Fisk 13 UTS 10 Lady Dawgs Start Fast and Hold on For Halftime Lead

After starting the first quarter slowly, Fisk scored the first five points of the second on two Buckhanon free throws and a Jordyn Bailey three to take a 20-15 lead. A Laila Eliotti layup on an assist by Gibbs made it 24-19 Fisk forcing a UT Southern timeout with 4:07 left. From there the Lady Dawgs cruised to a three-point halftime lead.

Third Quarter | Fisk 24-17 Fisk Takes Command with Big Third Quarter

Fisk scored the first ten points of the quarter to take control of the game. UTS chipped away and was able to cut the lead to five. A three-point basket off the glass by Zipporah Davis gave the Lady Bulldogs a ten-point lead going into the final stanza.

Fourth Quarter | UTS 18-14 Lady Dawgs Hold on for the Win

A Gibbs three-point basket with 9:21 left gave Fisk a 13-point cushion. UTS didn't go away quietly, chipping away to cut the lead to four at 60-57. Gibbs sealed the deal for Fisk going 4-of-4 from the free throw line down the stretch.

NEXT UP:

The Lady Dawgs will be back in action on January 9, 2024, when they travel to take on the University of the Virgin Islands.