Bellarmine basketball got out to an early deficit, and didn’t have enough in the tank to catch up to Lipscomb. Some take aways from the sweep.
For the second straight night, Bellarmine basketball had a chance late to get it close and possibly win. It was ill-timed turnovers that cost the Knights in the end. Lipscomb escaped Freedom Hall with a sweep, winning this one 65-58.
The game began with Lipscomb getting hot early and building a double-digit lead after neither team did so the night before.
Ahsan Asadullah dominated for the Bison by scoring 10 points in the first ten minutes. The Knights wouldn’t go away, however. Bellarmine basketball battled back and closed the half on a 7-0 run. That pulled the deficit to 37-29 going into the half.
The second half started out with both teams trading baskets before Lipscomb got hot. The Bison built the lead up to 14 with 17 minutes remaining. Bellarmine did not go away and battled back. They were able to cut it to 2 with 2:50 remaining on two CJ Fleming free throws.
However, KJ Johnson scored on the next possession and knocked down late game free throws to put the game out of reach.
Takeaways
Shooting was an issue for both teams on the night. Neither team shot over 50% and three point shooting was even worse. Granted, both teams were playing the 2nd straight night less than 24 hours apart and that could have played a factor. It is definitely something that should be monitored as the season goes on.
One of the aspects that helped bring Bellarmine basketball back was points off turnover. The Knights defense forced 5 steals leading to 14 points. Ethan Claycomb led the team with 2 steals.
Dylan Penn isn’t known for his rebounding but he changed that narrative. Coming into the game he only had 14 total and 3 offensively. In game two against Lipscomb, he finished with 7 rebounds with 6 coming on the offensive glass.
All other Knights totaled 5 offensive rebounds. Penn’s effort helped Bellarmine get second-chance opportunities and allowed them to stay in the game.
Player of the Game
Asadullah was the preseason ASUN player of the year and he showed why in this game. He finished the night with a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, both team-highs. Six of the rebounds came on the offensive glass as he was one of two Bison to register an offensive rebound. Asadullah also finished the game with 4 assist and a block.
Next Opponent
Next, Bellarmine (3-5, 0-2 ASun) will hit the road and travel to Fort Meyers, Florida to take on Florida Gulf Coast (5-2).
FGCU is led by a pretty balance attack going about 9-10 deep each night. Nobody on their team averages more than 30 minutes per game. That being said, their leading scorer is Caleb Catto with 15.1 ppg. Fans can watch this game on ESPN+ or listen on 93.9 The Ville.
