NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A dominant offensive display and a stifling defensive effort propelled the Lipscomb Bisons to a decisive 73-51 victory over the North Alabama Lions in an ASUN Conference men’s basketball game at Allen Arena on Saturday.

The Bisons, improving to 18-11 overall, showcased remarkable efficiency from the opening tip. They shot 58% from the field and connected on 10 of 25 attempts from beyond the arc, consistently finding quality looks against a scrambling North Alabama defense. The Lions, who fell to 8-19, endured a frigid shooting night, managing just 34.9% from the floor and a dismal 1-for-16 performance from three-point range.

The most important part of the game was Lipscomb’s decisive surge to close the first half, which effectively put the contest out of reach. After North Alabama’s Kevin de Kovachich hit a three-pointer to pull the Lions within 23-21 with just over a minute remaining before halftime, the Bisons responded with authority. On the ensuing possession, Titas Sargiunas drew a foul and made a free throw. Lipscomb then forced a stop, and Grant Asman converted a layup off a Sargiunas assist with 58 seconds left. The Bisons got another defensive stop, and Sargiunas sank two more free throws in the final half-minute to cap a 5-0 run, sending Lipscomb into the break with a 29-21 lead.

That sequence broke the Lions’ spirit and momentum. The eight-point halftime advantage ballooned quickly after intermission as Lipscomb’s offensive machine continued to hum. The Bisons opened the second half on a 12-4 run, fueled by three-pointers from Or Ashkenazi and Mateo Esmeraldo, extending their lead to 41-25 and forcing a North Alabama timeout just over three minutes into the period.

From there, the Bisons never looked back, maintaining a lead of at least 14 points for the remainder of the game and leading by as many as 24. Their offensive rating of 119.1 points per 100 possessions starkly contrasted with North Alabama’s inefficient 80.0, highlighting the chasm in execution.

Ross Candelino led all scorers with 16 points for Lipscomb, adding six rebounds. Grant Asman provided a strong interior presence with 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, anchoring a defense that held a significant edge in paint protection. Mateo Esmeraldo orchestrated the offense with seven assists, while Titas Sargiunas and Kellan Boylan each contributed 12 points. Boylan’s scoring came on perfect 5-for-5 shooting, including a three-pointer.

For North Alabama, Kevin de Kovachich of Montreal led the way with 15 points. Corneilous Williams recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Donte Bacchus added 11 points and six boards. However, the Lions’ offense was plagued by poor shot selection and an inability to capitalize on extra opportunities, as their 14 offensive rebounds translated to only 36 points in the paint.

Lipscomb also dominated in transition, outscoring North Alabama 16-0 in fastbreak points, and turned 10 Lions turnovers into 13 points. North Alabama, conversely, managed just seven points off 11 Lipscomb giveaways.

The Bisons, who entered the game as a 12.5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, easily covered the spread. The combined score of 124 points fell well under the pregame over/under line of 148.5, a testament to North Alabama’s offensive struggles and Lipscomb’s controlled pace.

Lipscomb will look to build on this performance when they travel to face West Georgia on Wednesday. North Alabama returns home to host Bellarmine on the same night, seeking to snap a two-game skid.