The Liberty Flames moved to 3-0 on the young season with an impressive 77-70 win against Kent State. It’s the first time the Flames have opened a season at 3-0 since 1999. Even more impressive was the fact that Liberty didn’t get in to Ohio until about 4 am due to travel delays.
First Half
The Flames used some stifling defense to jump out to an early lead over the Golden Flashes. In the first 20 minutes of action, Kent State shot just 32% from the field including 0-for-5 from 3 point range.
Lovell Cabbil was the early story on offense for Liberty, pacing the team with 9 points, all of them coming towards the beginning of the period. Keenan Gumbs picked it up in the final several minutes of the first half, as he scored 8 points.
Caleb Homesley knocked down a couple key shots and grabbed 5 boards. Scottie James didn’t attempt a shot in the first half, but he did grab 5 boards.
With Kent State calling a timeout with 28 seconds left in the first half for the final offensive possession, Coach McKay called on 7’2″ Brendan Newton for the defensive stand. Newton was able to alter the shot, forcing a Kent State shot clock violation. It led the Flames into a halftime lead of 31-23. The Flames led despite having 9 first half turnovers.
Second Half
In the second half, Liberty pushed its lead to double figures sparked by Caleb Homesley’s play. He hit a deep 3 pointer as the shot clock expired to give the Flames a 10 point lead at the 15 minute mark.
The Golden Flashes wouldn’t go away, every time Liberty pushed its lead to double figures, Kent State would come right back and reduce Liberty’s lead to as low as 6 points. At the same time, the Flames would respond for every one of Kent’s punches. The lead would grow to as man as 16, but Kent State cut it to 5 points with 46 seconds left.
This team has so many weapons. In the first half it was Lovell and Keenan. In the 2nd half, Caleb Homesley took over, with assistance from Myo, Scottie, and Darius.
Stat Check
In what is becoming a common occurrence, Liberty placed 5 players in double figures led by Homesley’s 16. Caleb also added 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Keenan Gumbs had 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Scottie James, Lovell Cabbil, and Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz had 11 points a piece. Darius McGhee was just one point shy of joining the group in double figures, finishing with 9 points on 3-of-6 shooting from 3.
The Flames shot 51.8% from the field and 47.4% from 3. Kent State was held to 40.8% from the field and 26.7% from 3.
Liberty outscored the Golden Flashes 27-9 in bench points.
What’s Next?
Liberty remains on the road as they head south to Nashville where the Flames will take on 3-0 Vanderbilt on Monday night. The Commodores have wins over Winthrop, USC, and Alcorn State. They are led by head coach Bryce Drew. Former Liberty assistant Matt Olinger is on staff as the director of basketball operations, and former Liberty guard Jeremy Anderson is the strength and conditioning coach for the men’s basketball team.
