Liberty (19-9, 10-3) vs. Central Arkansas (9-17, 6-7)
Conway, Arkansas – Farris Center (Capacity: 5,500)
Monday, Feb. 21, 7:00 p.m.
ESPN+
Last Meeting: N/A
Series History: First meeting
Projected LU Starters:
2 Darius McGhee (Sr., 5-9, 150) – 23.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.6 apg
23 Joseph Venzant (Fr., 6-3, 170) – 4.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 0.6 apg
20 Keegan McDowell (R-Sr., 6-6, 180) – 10.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.8 apg
22 Kyle Rode (Jr., 6-7, 220) – 8.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.1 apg
33 Shiloh Robinson (R-Jr., 6-7, 200) – 10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 apg
Projected Central Arkansas Starters:
14 Collin Cooper (So., 6-2, 190) – 9.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.6 apg
23 Camren Hunter (Fr., 6-3, 200) – 14.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.0 apg
13 Eddy Kayouloud (Jr., 6-7, 230) – 10.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 apg
24 Jared Chatham (Sr., 6-8, 185) – 11.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 0.6 apg
1 Ibbe Klintman (Fr., 6-8, 200) – 4.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.8 apg
PREVIEW
It will be the first ever meeting between the Flames and the ASUN newcomers Central Arkansas. The game between the two teams was originally scheduled to be played on Jan. 22, but it was postponed as Liberty was in COVID protocols. The two teams had two completely different preseason expectations, as Liberty was picked to win a fourth straight ASUN title and the Bears were picked last in the preseason poll.
If you looked at UCA’s overall record and computer rankings, you would think they have lived up to those expectations, but, under second year head coach Anthony Boone, the Bears have proven to be a tough out in conference play. Central Arkansas was 3-10 entering conference play when they opened at 2-0 in their first ever ASUN season. They would lose five out of their next six games, but have since rebounded to win three out of five entering Monday night’s game.
The Bears have swept the season series against fellow ASUN newcomer Eastern Kentucky who was picked to finish second in the preseason poll. UCA also knocked off Jacksonville State on their home floor, as they have proven to be a tough out on most nights.
“I’ve just seen them against other opponents,” Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay said of UCA following Liberty’s win over Stetson on Saturday night. “If you can go to Jax State and win…anyone can win in this league. Our guys have logged a lot of minutes, but this group is an incredible group. We will be ready and see if we can’t go on the road and go 1-0.”
KENPOM PREDICTION
Liberty 82, Central Arkansas 71
