Monday, December 31, 2007

MACON, Ga. – Lipscomb senior Eddie Ard helped Lipscomb pull off a rare feat in its road win at Marshall Saturday. In a game better suited for the American Plains, the Bisons defeated the Thundering Herd and became just the 11th non-conference opponent in the last 12 years to win at Marshall. Ard led the way with 21 points and a season-high five steals and for his effort, he has earned his third career Player of the Week award, the conference office announced on Monday.

Ard, a preseason All-Conference selection, hit on eight of his 15 shot attempts for the game. He scored 14 of his 21 in the opening 20 minutes, including the Bisons’ final eight points of the half, turning a three-point deficit to a two-point lead at the break. The 21 point-effort marked the second straight game in which Ard topped the 20-point barrier after not reaching 20 in any of his previous 26 games. The 21 point-game represented the sixth time in which Ard has led the Bisons in scoring in a game this season.

The senior marketing major from LaPlace, La., has helped lead the Bisons in a 10-game turnaround following a tough 0-4 start. The Bisons have won six of their last 10 games as they enter Atlantic Sun play. Ard’s game has experienced a similar turnaround. In his last 10 games, he has averaged 16.0 PPG and shot 45.7 FG Pct from the floor. In the first four games, Ard averaged just 10.5 PPG, and shot only 22.2 FG Pct.

The Atlantic Sun Conference is a 12-member league committed to Building Winners for Life, with a focus on academic and athletic integrity and a balance between the two for the student-athlete, and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun encompasses six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun consists of some of the most dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Gardner-Webb University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.

Other Top Performers

Reggie Bishop, CAM (Sr. – G – Gadsden, Ala. – Computer Information Systems) – Matched his season high with 23 points and tied his career high with 10 rebounds on Friday at Liberty; Knocked down 5-of-10 threes (both career highs) and had only one turnover in 35 minutes (one shy of his career high).

Matthew Dotson, BEL (Jr. – F – Centerville, Tenn. – History) – Averaged 14.5 points per game as Bruins defeated Murray State 84-67 and lost to Wright State 78-74 in OT; Dotson, scored 17 and grabbed six rebounds against the Racers; Added 12 points and five assists against Wright State.

Adam Liddell, FGCU (Sr. – F – Auburn, Ind. – Communications) – Scored 13 points, pulled down eight boards and picked up six steals in FGCU's record-setting 30-point win against Penn; Ranks among the league leaders in 5 categories (scoring, rebounding, FG Pct, steals, blocks),

Thomas Sanders, GWU (Sr. – F – Sugar Land, Texas – Sociology) – Scored 22 points, added 10 rebounds and four assists on 8-of-12 shooting in just 23 minutes of action against Charleston Southern. His league-best eighth double-double of the season. Played just seven minutes in the second half.