Lipscomb University's Journey Through the NCAA and NAIA Tournaments
Lipscomb University, nestled in Nashville, Tennessee, has a compelling basketball history marked by success in both the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). From their early days in the NAIA to their transition to NCAA Division I, the Bisons have woven a narrative of resilience, determination, and triumph. This article explores the program's journey through the tournaments, highlighting key moments, players, and the coaches who shaped its trajectory.
Early Years and NAIA Dominance
Lipscomb's basketball program started in 1931. For almost eight decades, the Bisons competed in the NAIA, establishing themselves as a formidable force. In 1975, Don Meyer took the helm as coach, ushering in an era of unprecedented success. During his 24-year tenure, Meyer transformed the program into a national powerhouse.
From 1981 to 1999, Meyer led the Bisons to the NAIA National Tournament 12 times, showcasing their consistency and competitiveness. The pinnacle of their NAIA journey came in the 1985-86 season when they clinched the national championship with an impressive 35-4 record. This victory remains a cherished moment in Lipscomb basketball history.
The 1986 NAIA National Championship Run
The 1985-86 season was a historic one for Lipscomb. The Bisons started the season with a remarkable 18-game winning streak, setting a new school record and earning the coveted #1 ranking in the nation for the first time in program history. Under Coach Don Meyer's guidance, the team secured victories in the Bison Classic, the TCAC Tournament Championship, and the District 24 Championship.
Road to the Tournament
To reach the NAIA Tournament, the Bisons had to overcome a significant hurdle: defeating Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. This victory propelled them to Kansas City, where they aimed to achieve unfinished business after previous tournament appearances in 1982 and 1984-85. In 1982 the Bisons lost their first game and in 1984-85 the Bisons were able to pick up one win before returning to Nashville.
Read also: Lipscomb University Legacy
Tournament Games
- Game 1: The Bisons faced Minnesota-Duluth (UMD), coached by Dale Race, a friend of Don Meyer. Despite UMD's 23-7 record, Lipscomb prevailed, led by John Kimbrell's 16 points, with crucial contributions from Anthony Jones and Chris Martello, who each scored 12 points off the bench.
- Game 2: Lipscomb advanced to the second round against Emporia State of Kansas, the tournament's number six seed. Playing in front of 9,000 enthusiastic fans, the Bisons overcame a halftime deficit to secure a 79-76 victory. Chris Martello led the charge with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Anthony Jones added 16 points.
- Game 3: The third round pitted Lipscomb against Central Washington, a #14 seed that had upset the tournament's #3 seed. The Bisons, however, proved too strong, winning 80-64. John Kimbrell bounced back with 24 points, supported by Anthony Jones and Chris Martello, who contributed 16 and 10 points, respectively.
- Game 4: In the semi-final, Lipscomb faced St. Thomas Aquinas from New York City, a team that had defeated the tournament's #2 seed. The Bisons delivered an outstanding performance, winning 102-91 and becoming the only team in the tournament to surpass the 100-point mark. They shot 20 of 21 free throws and out-rebounded their opponents 35-23.
- Game 5: In the championship game, Lipscomb faced Arkansas Monticello. After trailing at halftime, the Bisons rallied in the second half, outscoring UAM 45-27 to win the championship 67-54. John Kimbrell, named the tournament's MVP, led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
The Bisons' remarkable journey culminated in cutting down the nets in Kansas City, celebrating their first-ever National Championship in basketball.
Transition to NCAA Division I
After Meyer's departure, Lipscomb transitioned to NCAA Division I in 2003 and became a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. This move marked a new chapter for the program, with fresh challenges and opportunities.
First NCAA Tournament Berth in 2018
It wasn't until the 2017-18 season that the Bisons finally broke through, winning the Atlantic Sun tournament championship and earning their first NCAA Tournament berth. Despite a first-round loss to North Carolina, the achievement was a significant milestone for the program.
2025 NCAA Tournament Appearance
The Lipscomb Bisons men's basketball team secured its second ASUN tournament championship, defeating No. 2 seed North Alabama 76-65 to earn its second automatic bid to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in school history. The Bisons travelled to Milwaukee’s FiServ Forum to play Iowa State in the first round.
Media Exposure
With the Bisons’ incredible run to the NCAA tournament, it has earned a significant amount of local, regional and nationa media exposure for the university. According to media monitoring services, from March 9 when the Bisons won the ASUN tournament, which was televised nationally on ESPN2, through March 22, the day after the NCAA game broadcast nationally on TNT, it is estimated to have earned nearly 5,000 media hits with an advertising value equivalency of $285.6 million and a reach/viewership of 30.8 billion. Stories aired in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. and in several countries.
Read also: Scholarships and Aid
NIT Appearances
In addition to their NCAA Tournament appearances, Lipscomb has also participated in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) twice, in 2006 and 2019. In 2019, they made a memorable run, defeating Davidson, UNC Greensboro, NC State, and Wichita State before losing to Texas in the quarterfinals.
Key Figures and Rivalries
Coaching Staff
Currently, the Bisons are coached by Lennie Acuff, who is in his sixth season. Acuff has continued to build on the program's foundation, leading them to their second NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025.
Notable Players
Lipscomb has been home to several outstanding players, including Philip Hutcheson and John Pierce, who hold the top two spots as all-time leading college basketball scorers. Hutcheson, a four-time NAIA All-American and former NAIA player of the year, scored 4,106 career points. He now serves as Lipscomb's athletic director. In 2025, the team is led by Jacob Ognacevic, who ranks among the nation's top scorers.
The Battle of the Boulevard
Lipscomb shares a fierce rivalry with nearby Belmont University. The annual game between the two schools, known as the "Battle of the Boulevard," is a highly anticipated event. The close proximity of the universities-they are located just two miles apart on Belmont Boulevard-adds intensity to the rivalry.
Lipscomb University: More Than Just Basketball
Lipscomb University, founded in 1891 by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding, is a private Christian college located in Nashville, Tennessee. The university started with only nine students and grew to 5,000, where it is today. It offers a rigorous academic education within a Christian context. Lipscomb alumni include musicians Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, music stars Pat Boone, Marty Rowe and Dustin Lynch along with current NBA player Garrison Mathews (Atlanta Hawks) and former speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell. Lipscomb is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to innovation. In 2025, the university launched LUInnovate, the Office of Innovation, dedicated to advancing Lipscomb’s mission through high-quality programming, strategic partnerships and innovative learning models.
Read also: Lipscomb University Costs
tags: #Lipscomb #University #NCAA #tournament #history
