Preview: Bellarmine at Lipscomb

The Battle of the Mid-Major Powerhouses

Lipscomb Bisons (13-10) vs Bellarmine Knights (16-7)

In what promises to be an intense and closely contested matchup, the Lipscomb Bisons will face off against the surging Bellarmine Knights. Both teams boast impressive resumes, with Lipscomb riding a four-game winning streak and Bellarmine having won three straight.

The X-Factor in this game comes down to the bench production of both teams. The Bisons have been getting significant contributions from their reserves, led by Grant Asman's 13.2 points per game. Meanwhile, the Knights have been relying heavily on their role players to fuel their success, with Darrius Bolden providing a spark off the bench.

Recent Form

Lipscomb has been on fire, taking down Stetson and North Florida in consecutive games before getting knocked off by Cincinnati. The Bisons have shown incredible resilience, bouncing back from a tough loss at Blue Mountain. Bellarmine, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency, but recent wins over C-Arkansas and West Georgia suggest they're starting to find their footing.

Key Matchups

* Grant Asman (Lipscomb) vs Darrius Bolden (Bellarmine): The two guards will likely be matched up in a battle of wits and athleticism. Can either player outdo the other?

* Jack Karasinski (Bellarmine) vs Nate Sudderth (Lipscomb): The Knights' big man has been dominating in the paint, but can he contain the Bison's inside presence?

Storylines

* Will Grant Asman lead his team to a fifth straight win? Can Bellarmine's bench production carry them to victory?

* How will Jack Karasinski fare against Lipscomb's interior threats? A strong performance could be a turning point for the Knights.

As we head into this crucial matchup, one thing is clear: both teams have what it takes to make a deep run in the tournament. Who will emerge victorious? The stage is set for an epic battle of mid-major might.