The Liberty Lady Flames have opened the season with a 3-8 record while playing a tough schedule out of conference. Here’s a recap of the first few weeks of the season:
W, 68-46 vs Frostburg State, Nov. 6
Liberty tipped off its 2023-24 women’s basketball season with a victory over Frostburg State, win No. 548 of Carey Green’s coaching career. It made him the winningest coach in Liberty Athletics history. In his 25th season at the helm of the Lady Flames, Green moves past Liberty Hall of Famer Paul Wetmore who recorded 547 victories as Liberty’s softball coach.
W, 84-81 (OT) @ Stephen F Austin, Nov. 10
A back and forth battle saw 15 lead changes and 10 ties. In the end, Asia Boone’s layup off a steal with 15.9 seconds left in overtime put Liberty ahead for victory. One of six double figure scorers, Boone scored 7 of her 13 points during the extra session.
L, 75-57 @ #13 Texas, Nov. 12
The Longhorns forced 35 turnovers in dealing the Lady Flames their first loss of the season. Liberty shot 51.2% from the floor and outrebounded the Longhorns, but the turnovers were too much, leading to 33 Texas points. The Longhorns put four players in double figures in its first ever meeting with Liberty, and broke open the game with a 14-0 third quarter run.
L, 56-47 @ North Carolina A&T, Nov. 19
Liberty shot just 33.3% from the field and committed 23 turnovers in a loss to North Carolina A&T. Liberty cut a 12-point second-half deficit to two but could not get over the hump.
L, 102-59 vs Gonzaga, Nov. 24 (Betty Chancellor Classic)
Gonzaga knocked down 17 three pointers in their victory as Liberty dropped a third straight. The Lady Flames got 14 points from Bella Smuda and 13 more from Emma Hess but could not slow down the Gonzaga offense. The 17 made triples by the Bulldogs tie the most any team has ever made against the Lady Flames, and Gonzaga also scored teh most points of any opponent in Carey Green’s 25 seasons at Liberty.
L, 72-63 vs #15 Louisville, Nov. 25 (Betty Chancellor Classic)
Liberty led by six entering the fourth quarter, but were outscored, 26-11, during the final period. The Lady Flames led by as many as 10 points, but 21 turnovers led to 19 Louisville points as Liberty dropped its 40th straight meeting with a Top 25 opponent.
L, 72-47 vs Alabama, Nov. 26 (Betty Chancellor Classic)
Alabama led from start to finish for a victory over Liberty. The Lady Flames matched their season low scoring output despite Jordan Bailey leading all players in points (14) and rebounds (8). Bella Smuda was named to the Betty Chancellor Classic all-tournament team following the contest.
W, 67-53 vs James Madison, Dec. 1
On Championship Friday in Lynchburg, Liberty roared back from a 14-4 early deficit to pick up the win. The Lady Flames halted a five game losing streak with the win, getting 53 points from the trio of Emma Hess, Bella Smuda, and Asia Boone.
L, 73-70 (OT) vs Towson, Dec. 4
Liberty battled from a double digit deficit to take the lead for the second time in four days. This time, however, the Lady Flames were unable to pull out the victory. It ended a 16-game home winning streak. The Lady Flames rallied from a 13-point third-quarter deficit to force the extra session, aided by a career game from Bella Smuda with a career-high 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks.
L, 80-67 vs #3 NC State, Dec. 10
Against one of the top ranked teams in the country, Liberty challenged the Wolfpack on Sunday afternoon at Reynolds Coliseum before NC State held on for the victory, which included a 12-4 game closing run. This marked Liberty’s third loss to a Top 25 opponent this season and its 41st straight setback when facing a nationally ranked foe. The Lady Flames were led by the trio of Asia Boone (17 points), Emma Hess (15 points), and Bella Smuda (14 points, 15 rebounds, 6 blocks).
L, 57-45 vs Radford, Dec. 13
After Liberty took a three-point lead early int he fourth quarter, the visiting Radford Highlanders shut down the Lady Flames’ offense to pull away for a victory at Liberty Arena. Liberty was held without a field goal over the final 8:12 and were outscored 18-3 during that span. The Lady Flames were held to 27% shooting from the field in the contest.
Upcoming schedule
12/16 @ Richmond, 2pm, ESPN+
12/20 vs Grand Canyon, 2pm, ESPN+
