McNelkan Breaks Record in Dawgs Win First Conference Game at Oakwood

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (November 14, 2024) – Justin McNelkan scored a career-high 29 points and Doyel Cockrill III added 21 as the Fisk University Bulldogs (3-3, 1-0 HBCUAC) defeated Oakwood University (1-5, 0-1 HBCUAC) 80-63 in the opener of conference play for both teams.

McNelkan connected on 9-of-14 three-point shots off the bench. His nine three points is a Fisk record in a regular season game. In 2022, Ralph Davenport hit ten three-pointers versus Tennessee State University, McNelkan's freshman year.

"When I found out that I had nine, I thought about Ralph," said McNelkan. "When I was told it was a record, I said Ralph had ten. Then I found out that it was an exhibition game. It is cool but I feel Ralph still has the record. He is my dude. I watched him and based on how I play off him. The rim looked big to me. I even banked one in. Everyone teased me saying that it didn't count. I'm just happy with the win."

First Half Fisk 39-36

After Oakwood started fast, jumping out to a 4-0 lead. A Lucious Jackson score tied the game at nine, and McNelkan's first three-pointer gave Fisk their first lead at12-9. The first half was nip and tuck. Fisk was able to spread the lead to eight on a Mitch Seay basket at 39-31 with 1:21 left in the half. Oakwood scored the final five points of the half to cut the lead to three. McNelkan scored 12 points, Cockrill III added nine, and Michael Ashley had ten rebounds.

Final Fisk 80-63                                

Fisk couldn't shake Oakwood in the early part of the second half, until a 15-0 run made the score 59-45 with 12:22 to go. The Bulldogs stretched their lead to 20 on a McNelkan three with 4:48 left in regulation. Fisk held on the rest of the way to get the win.

"It's good to get this win because Oakwood is a tough team," said Fisk head coach Jeremiah Crutcher. "Justin shot the ball well. Once he gets going, he is difficult to contain. We are still working on getting our rotations together. I have a better idea of how we will go from here. I am happy with our effort, especially in the second half."

Ashley tied his career-high with 21 rebounds. Point guard Mark Cooper missed a triple-double with eight points, ten rebounds, and 11 assists.

The Bulldogs will finish their three-game trip through Alabama on Saturday when they take on Stillman College in conference play.