After losing 5 straight, Liberty finally got off the snide with a win at Presbyterian, 81-66. With the win, the Flames move to 4-6 in Big South play.
The Flames led throughout as they jumped out to a 15-2 lead early and led by as many as 22. Liberty shot 62% from the field and 52% from 3.
Senior Ryan Kemrite’s 21 points on 5/7 shooting from 3 led the Flames. He’s now at 224 career made threes which is tied for 2nd on Liberty’s all-time list with Larry Jackson. Kemrite needs just 3 more to tie Liberty’s all-time record held by Larry Blair at 227.
True freshman Keegan McDowell set a career-high for the 2nd consecutive game as he finished with 19 points on 3/4 shooting from 3. He also added 5 rebounds and 2 assists. He went 9 straight games dating back to the Kentucky Christian matchup where he failed to reach double figure minutes. McDowell’s minutes have increased each of the past 3 games from 19 against Asheville to 32 against Campbell to a team-high 36 against Presbyterian.
His true freshman wing partner Elijah Cuffee had 12 points on 5/8 shooting from the field. Scottie James added 9 points and 7 rebounds while Caleb Homesley had 8 point and 6 rebounds.
Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz who rolled his left ankle at the end of the Campbell game Tuesday night finished with 4 points and 6 assists in 34 minutes.
Lovell Cabbil did not play for the 2nd straight game as he is dealing with a left knee injury. Isaiah Williams missed his 3rd straight game due to a suspension.
The Flames return to action Thursday night in the Vines Center against first-place Winthrop. Liberty defeated Winthrop in Rock Hill, South Carolina on January 9th. It was the program’s first win at Winthrop since 2004. The Eagles haven’t lost since that game as they have reeled off 6 straight.
