Lipscomb MBB Defeats SIUE 78-77

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Lipscomb Men’s Basketball Edges SIU Edwardsville 78-77 in Thrilling Home Opener

NASHVILLE — Bisons Weekend came to a dramatic close inside Allen Arena on Saturday night as the Lipscomb University men’s basketball team (1-2) secured a thrilling 78-77 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2-1).

A clutch late-game surge—highlighted by a roaring dunk and game-winning free throw—pushed the Bisons past the Cougars to capture their first win of the season.

Box Score

How It Happened

First Half (Lipscomb 46, SIUE 35): Lipscomb seized early momentum by shooting 50% from the field (15-for-30) and connecting on seven 3-pointers. An 8-0 run fueled by suffocating defense turned nine SIUE turnovers into a 13-4 advantage in points off turnovers, giving the Bisons an 11-point halftime cushion.
Second Half (SIUE 42, Lipscomb 32): The Cougars stormed back after the break, dominating the paint (30-16) and outscoring Lipscomb by 10. However, the Bisons relied on steady free-throw shooting (13-for-18) and a +7 rebounding edge to stay within striking distance.
The Dramatic Finish: Trailing late, Lipscomb pulled off the comeback when Kennedy Okpara threw down a clutch dunk to tie the game at 77 with 45 seconds remaining. Moments later, Devyn Martin stepped to the line and hit the game-winning free throw with just seven seconds left on the clock to seal the 78-77 win.

Key Statistics & Standouts

Devyn Martin: Led the charge with a monster double-double, posting a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Takai Simpkins: Controlled the floor with 12 points (8-for-10 from the charity stripe) and 5 assists.
Kennedy Okpara: Provided a huge spark off the bench with 13 points in just 19 minutes of action.
Mateo Esmeraldo: Added 13 points, helping fuel an offensive attack where four of the five starters scored in double figures.