For the first time in three tries, Liberty wins in the quarterfinal round of the CIT to advance to the semifinals on Wednesday. The Flames defeated Central Michigan, 84-71 on Saturday afternoon to move to 22-14 on the season.
It was a tale of clashing styles as the Chippewas employed a high-tempo, pressing style which is in stark contrast to Liberty’s much more methodical packline defense. Central Michigan is one of just 6 Division I teams to attempt 1,000 three pointers on the season.
The Keno Davis-led Chippewas pushed their lead to 9 at the 3:47 mark of the first half, their largest of the half, but the Flames responded with a 9-0 run to even the score at 39 just prior to the halftime break.
Liberty went on to seize control of the game in the 2nd half leading by as much as 16 thanks to a 16-3 run midway through the period.
After missing the first round game against North Carolina A&T, Ryan Kemrite tied a career-high with 7 made three pointers on the afternoon. The senior doesn’t want his career to end. He went on to finish with 21 points on 10 field goal attempts, all from 3.
Scottie James joined the scoring action with 20 points. The redshirt-sophomore added 9 rebounds. Meanwhile, Lovell Cabbil set a new career high with 13 assists. Cabbil’s 13 assists is the most by a Flame since Jesse Sanders had 16 on December 20, 2011 against Montreat. As a team, the Flames had 23 assists on their 32 made baskets.
Liberty’s offense was remarkably efficient, shooting 56.1% for the game and 62.1% in the 2nd half. The Flames were also 11-of-25 from 3.
Virginia Tech head coach Buzz Williams was a special guest of Coach McKay, sitting one right behind Liberty’s bench.
Liberty will host the University of Illinois-Chicago on Wednesday at 7pm in what will be a battle of the Flames. Liberty and UIC are the only two Division programs nicknamed Flames. In the other semifinal, Northern Colorado will face Sam Houston State.
