The Liberty Flames moved to 8-2 on the season with a 79-55 win over South Carolina State on Tuesday evening. The 8-2 mark is Liberty’s best since 1991.

First Half

Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz got the offense started with three straight triples on the Flames’ first 4 possessions as Liberty jumped out to an early 9-2 lead. Elijah Cuffee would get in on the action from deep as well early as Liberty moved to a 14-4 lead at the 14:55 mark of the first half.

Caleb Homesley had perhaps the highlight of the early season as Lovell Cabbil found him from the top of the key for a nasty alley-oop that Caleb finished over a South Carolina State defender. Homesley then followed that strong play up with a 3 pointer on the Flames’ next possession.

Liberty’s solid play continued throughout the first half, leading by as much as 17. The Flames shot 54.2% from the field in the first half including 72.7% from 3. The team had 12 assists on 13 made field goals while holding the Bulldogs to 26.1% shooting in the first 20 minutes. Liberty went into the break with a 35-19 advantage.

Second Half

Scottie James had 10 points in the first 9 minutes of action in the 2nd half, as Liberty pushed its lead over 20. The Flames controlled the game, dominating in all statistical categories. Liberty got into the bonus early in the 2nd half, and took advantage as they went to the free throw line 16 times.

Pacheco-Ortiz continued his hot shooting from outside, as he connected on a total of 6 three pointers, 3 in each half. Surprisingly, he was 1 off his career high of 7 he had against Charleston Southern last year.

Liberty pushed the lead to as many as 30 points just under 5 minutes, but were unable to hold on to the 30 point margin.

Stat Check

Lovell Cabbil and Scottie James were both perfect from the field, as Lovell made all 6 shots and Scottie all 5 of his attempts. Cabbil finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. James chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds.

Georgie finished with 18 points, making 6 of his 7 three point attempts.

The Flames shot 56% from 3 on the evening.

Liberty outpaced South Carlolina State 24-5 in points off turnovers.

SCSU was held to 39.2% from the field and just 26.7% from 3.

What’s Next?

Liberty returns to action Saturday afternoon against its last Division I opponent of the season, playing host to Kentucky Christian at 2pm from the Vines Center. This will be the Flames’ last home game until January 12th.