Looking to shake off Thursday night’s loss to Stetson, the men’s basketball team posted up an 84 -74 win over the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles, currently the top team in the Atlantic Sun, Saturday night in Allen Arena.
The victory snaps the Eagles’ seven-game win streak and marks the second time this season the Bisons have bested the visitors (they defeated the Eagles 87-78 in OT on Jan. 17 in an away game).
The Bisons (now 10-15, 5-9 in conference) overcame a rough start that saw the Eagles (19-9, 11-4 in conference) leading 12-4 after the first four minutes of the half. Lipscomb slowly reduced the margin in the next six minutes, tying the ballgame at the 10 minute mark. The teams continued to battle for the lead, with the Eagles holding a slim four-point margin at the break.
However, the Bisons fought their way back in the second, finally gaining the lead for good at 5:33 after a jumper by redshirt freshman Stephen Hurt. Lipscomb held off FGCU long enough to snag the big win.
Sophomore Martin Smith was the team’s leading scorer and had a career night with 30 points. He also had 10 rebounds, which nets his first career double-double. Hurt also had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Deonte Alexander added in 14 points.
Martin Smith (whose brother Malcom was held out tonight with an injury) said he felt that this win in particular was especially beneficial to the Bisons.
“This is a win we needed,” Smith said. “Everybody’s kind of bunched up in the A-Sun.”
Smith said he was happy with the way the team came back after the opening run by the Eagles.
“We responded well and came out with the win,” Smith said.
Smith said he hopes tonight’s momentum can carry over to the team’s upcoming road game stretch against Mercer and Kennesaw State, and beyond.
“We’ve got to keep it rolling to the A-Sun tournament.”