GCAC Tournament: Fisk Bulldogs Trust Their Way to First Ever GCAC Victory

Fisk University forward Richmond Jackson
Courtesy Fisk University Athletics

NEW ORLEANS  -- When a consumer sets up a trust fund at a bank they expect to get a return on their investment. The longer they wait the more dividends they earn. The Fisk University Bulldogs put that concept on display as they defeated the Dillard Bleu Devils 72-64 in the play-in game of the GCAC Men’s Championships. Though the game was held at Dillard’s Battlefield in Dent Hall, Fisk was the home team.

Richmond Jackson led the Bulldogs with 18 points including two thunderous dunks. The junior from Detroit also benefitted twice being fouled on three point shot attempts.

“I have been feeling comfortable as of late,” said Jackson. “It feels good that my coach and teammates trust me. We knew they would key on Cam (Lewis) so others had to do their part. I am finally having fun.”

Lewis, the GCAC Player of the Year, was held seven points under his average. The junior scored 15 points but contributed on the defensive end with seven deflections, six rebounds, two steals and a block. Lewis scored nine of the Bulldogs first 15 points. He ended the half with 11 points. A key assist to Chris Pollard by Lewis gave the Bulldogs a six point lead with 1:01 left in regulation to seal the deal.

“I have been preaching to the guys since the summer that we need to trust each other,” said Fisk Head Coach Deajada “Jay” Smith. “That goes for me too. We knew this would be tough because they were playing in their home gym. I am proud of Cam because he didn’t force the issue. Tonight turned out to be Rich’s night and the guys rode him. We have shown all year that we could score. Holding them to 64 points in their own gym in a win or go home scenario shows we played with heart. To be honest I like playing on the road better because you have to be tough.”

The game was nip and tuck until the waning seconds. Dillard senior Jeremy Rixner played strong second half to keep the game close. Rixner’s second three point play in the half gave Dillard an three point lead. Rixner was winded and was replaced. With Dillard’s big man out, Fisk took advantage as Jackson drove to the basket the next two offensive trips. One time he scored on a layup, the next time he was fouled.

“They played tough and gritted it out,” said Dillard Head Coach Bernard Griffith of Fisk. Rixner played good. He is a senior and we expected that. I wish Fisk well the rest of the way.

Joining Jackson and Lewis in double figures was Walter Arnold with 10 points. Off the bench Craig Jeudy and Austin Watkins also had 10. For Dillard Huston Chatman had 11 and Jordan Kilson added 10 in his final game of his college career. Fisk will again play on their opponents’ home court as they take on number one seed Xavier at the Convocation Center. The game will begin at 7 p.m.

By Scott Wallace of Fisk University
COURTESY FISK UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS