The Liberty Lady Flames picked up a win over Western Kentucky to open conference play before getting bested by CUSA power MTSU to split the opening weekend of conference play. The Lady Flames are 8-5 on the season before returning to Lynchburg for its first home game in nearly a month. Here’s a recap of the team’s recent action:
W, 77-66 @ Western Kentucky, Jan. 2
Liberty hit 12 three-pointers at 52.2% to hand the HIlltoppers their first home loss of the season. Emma Hess scored 15 of her 16 points after halftime, leading four Liberty players in double figures. The Lady Flames have now won three straight matchups with the Lady Toppers and are now 3-0 all-time in Bowling Green. Liberty out-rebounded WKU 41-25 and converted 14 offensive boards into a season-high 22 second-chance points. Bella Smuda had 14 points and 9 rebounds, Jordan Hodges had 12 points and 5 assists, and Asia Boone had 12 points, rebounds, and 4 assists.
L, 69-41 @ Middle Tennessee, Jan. 4
In a nationally televised rematch of the 2024 CUSA Championship title game, Middle Tennessee continued to get the best of the Lady Flames. Jalynn Gregory and Ta’Mia Scott combined for 49 points for the Lady Raiders while holding Liberty to a season-low point total. Liberty committed 24 turnovers while shooting 29.4% from the field and 20% from three-point range. The Lady Flames are now 13-4 in their last 17 matchups with CUSA opponents with all four losses coming to Middle Tennessee. MTSU has now won 31 straight over CUSA foes.
Upcoming schedule
1/9 vs Sam Houston, 7 p.m., ESPN+
1/11 vs Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m., ESPN+
CUSA Standings
Middle Tennessee…….2-0
Louisiana Tech…………2-0
Jacksonville State…….1-0
Liberty………………………1-1
UTEP…………………………1-1
New Mexico State…….1-1
FIU……………………………1-1
Kennesaw State……….0-1
Western Kentucky……..0-2
Sam Houston……………0-2
