Hey there, college basketball fans! March Madness is officially here, and it’s bringing some exciting underdog stories to the spotlight. One team everyone’s buzzing about is the Lipscomb University Bisons, who are gearing up to take on the powerhouse Iowa State Cyclones in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
If you’re scratching your head wondering, “Where the heck is Lipscomb University?”—don’t worry, I’ve got all the juicy details for you! From their Nashville roots to their Cinderella-worthy journey, let’s dive into everything you need to know about this small school with big dreams. Will they pull off a tournament upset? Let’s find out!
Where Is Lipscomb University? A Nashville Gem
First things first—Lipscomb University calls Nashville, Tennessee, home. Yep, that’s right, the same city famous for country music and hot chicken is also where this private Christian university sits. Founded way back in 1891 by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding, it’s got a rich history and a cozy campus vibe.
With just over 3,000 undergrads and about 1,650 graduate students, it’s definitely on the smaller side compared to some of the big-name schools in the tournament. But don’t let that fool you—small size doesn’t mean small ambition!
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Located in the heart of Music City, Lipscomb blends faith, education, and a tight-knit community feel. Tuition here runs at $42,396 a year, so it’s not cheap, but it’s clear the Bisons are making every penny count as they step onto the national stage. Whether you’re a hoops junkie or just love a good underdog tale, Lipscomb’s journey is one to watch.
How Did Lipscomb Punch Their NCAA Ticket?
So, how did this little school from Nashville land a spot in March Madness? It’s all thanks to their gritty performance in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). The Bisons clinched the ASUN championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. That’s no small feat—it’s only the second time Lipscomb has ever made it to the Big Dance! With a solid 25-9 record this season, they’ve proven they’re ready to compete with the best.
In the tournament bracket, Lipscomb snagged the No. 14 seed in the South Region. Their first challenge? A showdown against the No. 3 seed Iowa State Cyclones (24-9) on Friday, March 21, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, and if there’s one thing March Madness teaches us, it’s that anything can happen when the ball tips off!
Leading the charge for the Bisons is forward Jacob Ognacevic, who’s been lighting up the scoreboard with an impressive 20.1 points per game. With his scoring prowess and the team’s determination, Lipscomb is hoping to channel some of that Cinderella magic and make waves in the tournament.
Lipscomb University: A Quick History Lesson
Let’s take a step back and get to know Lipscomb a little better. Founded in 1891, this school has deep Christian roots, thanks to its founders David Lipscomb and James A. Harding. Their vision was to create a place where faith and learning go hand in hand, and over 130 years later, that mission still shines through. Today, Lipscomb is a private university with a student body of around 4,675 (including undergrads and grads), making it a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name—or at least your game face!
Nashville’s a pretty cool spot for a university, too. Imagine studying surrounded by the buzz of live music, tasty Southern food, and a city that’s always got something going on. Lipscomb’s campus fits right into that vibe, offering students a blend of academic rigor and a chance to soak up the local culture. And now, with the Bisons in the NCAA spotlight, Nashville’s got one more thing to cheer about!
The Road to March Madness: A Cinderella Story in the Making
March Madness is the time for small schools to shine, and Lipscomb is stepping up to the plate. Winning the ASUN title wasn’t a fluke—it took guts, teamwork, and some serious hoops skills. Their 25-9 record shows they’ve got the chops to hang with tougher competition, but facing Iowa State is a whole new level of challenge. The Cyclones are a Big 12 powerhouse with a deep roster and plenty of tournament experience, so the Bisons will need to bring their A-game.
What makes Lipscomb’s story so fun is that it’s only their second trip to the NCAA Tournament. The first came back in 2018, and while they didn’t pull off a deep run, they showed they could compete. Now, with Jacob Ognacevic leading the way, this could be their moment to turn heads. Will they shock the world and upset Iowa State? That’s the million-dollar question—and one every fan will be glued to their screens to find out!
Meet Jacob Ognacevic: Lipscomb’s Scoring Star
Every Cinderella team needs a hero, and for Lipscomb, that’s Jacob Ognacevic. This forward has been the heart and soul of the Bisons’ offense, averaging 20.1 points per game. Whether he’s sinking jumpers or battling in the paint, Ognacevic has a knack for putting the ball in the hoop. His scoring ability is going to be crucial against Iowa State’s tough defense, and if he gets hot, who knows how far Lipscomb could go?
Ognacevic isn’t just a one-man show, though. The Bisons have built a solid team around him, with players stepping up at key moments throughout the season. That ASUN championship win was a group effort, and they’ll need that same teamwork to take on the Cyclones. Keep an eye on this guy—he might just be the spark that lights up Lipscomb’s tournament run!
Famous Faces from Lipscomb: Alumni Who Made It Big
Lipscomb might be small, but it’s produced some big names you’ve definitely heard of. Check out these famous alumni who’ve left their mark:
- Pat Boone: A legendary singer who ruled the charts in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Talk about a classic!
- Kelsea Ballerini: Country music fans know her well—she’s a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter with hits like “Peter Pan.”
- Garrison Mathews: This sharpshooter plays guard for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. Lipscomb hoops pride!
- Niki (Nicole Zefanya): An Indonesian singer-songwriter who’s making waves in the global music scene.
- Caleb Joseph: A former MLB catcher who played for teams like the Baltimore Orioles.
From music to sports, Lipscomb’s alumni prove that this little school has a big impact. Who knows? Maybe Jacob Ognacevic will join that list someday!
Lipscomb vs. Iowa State: What to Expect
So, what’s the scoop on this first-round matchup? Lipscomb (25-9) takes on Iowa State (24-9) in Milwaukee on March 21, and it’s shaping up to be a thriller. Iowa State’s got the higher seed and a reputation for tough, physical play, thanks to their Big 12 roots. They’re no strangers to the tournament, and they’ll be looking to squash Lipscomb’s dreams early.
But here’s the thing—March Madness thrives on upsets. Lipscomb’s got the momentum from their ASUN title run, and with Ognacevic leading the charge, they’ve got a puncher’s chance. If they can shoot well from beyond the arc and keep Iowa State’s offense in check, we might just see some bracket-busting magic. It’s a long shot, sure, but isn’t that what makes this tournament so darn exciting?
Why Lipscomb’s Run Matters
Even if you’re not a die-hard basketball fan, Lipscomb’s story is one to root for. Small schools like this don’t get to the NCAA Tournament every day, and when they do, it’s a chance to show the world what they’re made of. For the players, it’s a shot at glory. For Nashville, it’s a point of pride. And for fans everywhere, it’s a reminder that in March Madness, anyone can be a hero.
Win or lose against Iowa State, Lipscomb’s already made history by getting here. They’re living proof that hard work and heart can take you places—literally, from Nashville to Milwaukee! And who doesn’t love a good Cinderella story to spice up the tournament?
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Get Ready for the Madness!
Alright, hoops lovers, mark your calendars—Friday, March 21, is when Lipscomb takes on Iowa State. Whether you’re cheering for the Bisons to pull off an epic upset or just tuning in to see what happens, this game’s got all the makings of a March Madness classic. Will Lipscomb shock the Cyclones and keep their Cinderella run alive? Grab your popcorn and let’s find out together!
What do you think—can Lipscomb make some noise in the tournament? Drop your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this with your fellow basketball buddies. The Madness is here, and Lipscomb’s ready to dance!
