Lipscomb wins Atlantic Sun title, advances to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in school history

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - For the first time since 2018, the Lipscomb men’s basketball team has punched their ticket to the NCAA basketball tournament.

The Bisons, the top seed in the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament, defeated second-seeded North Alabama 76-65 inside Allen Arena Sunday afternoon. It is the first conference tournament title for Lipscomb since Head Coach Lennie Acuff took over the program in 2019.

“We were in a similar game like this last year and it didn’t go in our favor, but I tell you what -- we worked hard and it just feels so good to see it pay off,” senior Joe Anderson said.

The Bisons jumped out to an early lead, holding a 21-10 advantage after a Anderson three-pointer about eight minutes into the game. The Lions chipped away at the lead, and made it a close contest the rest of the way.

“That was a high-level basketball game and we beat a really, really good team,” Acuff said. “I have a ton of respect for North Alabama.”

The difference was the guard play for the Bisons. Mount Juliet native Will Pruitt poured in 17 points to go along with seven rebounds while making all 10 of his free throws.

Anderson led all scorers with 23 points, including 12 in the final three and a half minutes. He was named the conference tournament Most Outstanding Player.

“Will, Joe and Jacob (Ognacevic) could’ve all three left. They all three could have left and got a lot of money. But they stuck with Lipscomb, and now there’s going to be a banner going up there that they won two championships and we’re going to have a chance to play in the NCAA tournament.”

The waiting game begins for Lipscomb. The team has a week-long wait before Sunday’s selection show unveils their seeding and destination for the start of the tournament.