Liberty (17-5, 8-2) got the weekend sweep over North Florida (7-13, 5-5) thanks to an 80-60 win Saturday night at Liberty Arena. With the win, the Flames’ have pushed its home win streak to 34 games, the 2nd longest in the nation, only trailing Gonzaga.
“We knew it was going to be a hard fought battle just because of how well coached North Florida is and the culture they have,” Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay said. “They are a winning program and expect to win. I felt good about the way we responded, really fortunate. Like most occasions on this team, you never know who is going to be the leading scorer or who’s night it is going to be, but our guys really share the ball and they play for one another. That’s very rewarding as a coach to watch people play the game like that.”
It took 66 seconds before Darius McGhee was able to get a shot off, but once he did the Ospreys couldn’t keep him in check. The junior guard made his first 5 field goals of the game, including three from behind the arc. The 5’9″ guard from Roxboro, North Carolina was also able to create some space for himself in the corner for a first half buzzer beating three pointer. It was the third time in four games McGhee has been able to beat the first half buzzer, as he did so at Jacksonville and last Friday against Lancaster Bible College. His 5th triple of the first half gave him 19 points in the opening stanza.
While McGhee cooled off some in the second half, it was senior point guard Chris Parker who picked up the scoring in the second half. One night after coming off the bench for the first time this season due to being late to shoot-around, Parker scored 11 points in the second half, making three of his five shots from three-point range.
Liberty was able to push its lead out to 18 midway through the second half, the Ospreys didn’t go away quietly. A 7-0 burst in less than 90 seconds cut the Flames’ lead to 10 points with just under six minutes to play. It was Parker who was able to get open for a three to end the run and spark an 11-0 Liberty spurt to put the game out of reach.
McGhee would finish the game with a team-high 22 points, setting a Liberty Arena record for most points scored by a Flame in a men’s basketball game. He was just 1 for 6 in the 2nd half while making 1 of 4 from three. He finished the game making 6 of 11 from three.
Parker finished with 13 points while Kyle Rode capped a very impressive weekend. The sophomore forward finished with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Senior Elijah Cuffee added 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
Shiloh Robinson tied his career high with 9 points to go along with 3 rebounds. He made all 4 of his field goals but was just 1 of 5 from the free throw line.
“They know what they’re doing,” said McKay of UNF. “They are going to be a factor in the conference tournament. Although we got what we were hoping to get this weekend, I’m pretty sure they’re going to be around at the end.”
Liberty paid tribute to Kendra Soucie, the wife of assistant head coach Brad Soucie, who passed away Aug. 14, 2020 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. The Flames’ players, coaches, and staff wore yellow warmups and polos with the initials KS on the front. Liberty also had a moment of silence for Kendra prior to the game.
“We’ve done life with the Soucie’s for 26 years,” McKay said. “For 26 years my wife and Kendra were and are best friends. Her home going is obviously something we rejoice that she’s got eternity, but we also miss her. It was presented by someone on staff. We do Coaches vs. Cancer, we were hoping to do it that weekend, but we were on the road. Let’s find a way to tribute her and we did. She’s had an impact and an influence on many, had such an influential personality and was just a great woman of God who constantly encouraged.”
Liberty is scheduled to play host to North Alabama this coming Friday and Saturday evening at Liberty Arena. These games were originally scheduled to be played in Florence, Alabama until the ASUN made adjustments to the final three weeks of the regular season schedule this past week. The Lions are currently 10-7 overall and 6-5 in ASUN play prior to their game Saturday night against Bellarmine.
