Crutcher Gets First Collegiate Win

OWENSBORO, KY (October 31, 2024) – Five players scored in double-figures, led by Mitch Seay's 18 points, as the Fisk University Bulldogs (1-0) defeated the Brescia University Bearcats (0-1) 83-77 in the season opener for both teams. Michael Ashley and Lucious Jackson added 15 apiece. Nashville natives Doyel Cockrill III had 14, and Asa Hardyway added ten off the bench. Ashley was all over the place all night, grabbing 15 rebounds.

"Mike is a warrior and someone I can depend on," said Fisk head coach Jeremiah Crutcher. "

The Bulldogs started slow in both halves. Brescia scored the first seven points of the game before Cockrill III hit a three-point shot to start the scoring for Fisk. The Bulldogs tied the score at ten, but Brescia regained momentum, eventually going up 34-23 with 5:42 left in the first half. Fisk finished the first half, scoring 16 of the final 21 points to tie the score at 39.

Brescia again started fast, scoring the first six points. This time it was a three by Jackson to break the run. A three-point basket by Seay tied the score at 57 and gave Fisk some life. Justin Mcnelkan's three made the score 67-60 with 9:11 remaining.

Brescia wouldn't go away, eventually cutting the lead to two on several occasions. Fisk then stretched their lead to 80-72 with 1:21 left on a pair of Seay free throws. The Bearcats cut the lead to three with 29 seconds left, but Jackson iced the game by going 4-of-4 from the charity stripe.

The victory gave Fisk their first over .500 winning percentage since 2019, and it was Crutcher's first win as a collegiate coach.

"I was glad I could get a chance to help us win," said Seay. "Coach told me to be ready. I played starter's minutes even though I came off the bench. We have a lot of guys that can do a lot of things. Five players in double figures show that you can't stop one of us and win."