On Monday night, the Lipscomb Bisons opened the college basketball season with a 77-72 win over the Duquesne Dukes.
Here are three takeaways from the victory in Pittsburgh.
Jacob Ognacevic Is Back
Despite not playing in a game since March 2023, Ognacevic didn’t miss a beat. Utilizing his unorthodox play style, he posted a double-double with 30 points and 10 rebounds, including a few 3-pointers, underscoring his role as the Bisons’ top option. The ceiling for this Lipscomb team may rest on Ognacevic’s health and performance.
Gyasi Powell Steps Up
After transferring from Jacksonville, guard Gyasi Powell quickly proved his value on Monday night. As Jon Rothstein might say, this team has “more guards than Shawshank,” and Powell will be a major contributor this season. He led the Bisons with 37 minutes on the court, contributed on defense and scored 12 points, hitting two 3-pointers.
Who Will Fill the Void Left by Dylan Faulkner?
With potential breakout player Dylan Faulkner scratched from the lineup with a sprained ankle, the Bisons needed someone to step up. Charlie Williams and Grant Asman rose to the challenge: Williams led the team with three 3-pointers, while Asman showed his physical presence inside. Their contributions will be key during Faulkner’s absence and when he returns to the lineup.
Up Next
Lipscomb will now shift its focus to the Arkansas Razorbacks, heading to Fayetteville with hopes of spoiling John Calipari’s coaching debut with the program on Wednesday.
