Liberty (11-6, 0-2) returns to action by taking on Louisiana Tech (11-6, 1-1) on Sunday afternoon.
Here’s what you need to know about the game:
How to Watch
3:00 p.m. ET | Sunday, January 14
Ruston, LA | Thomas Assembly Center
TV: ESPN2
Liberty vs Louisiana Tech Odds (KenPom)
Spread: Liberty +3
Projected score: Louisiana Tech 68, Liberty 65
Liberty Projected Starters
#0 Colin Porter
Sophomore Guard | 5’9″, 170
8.5 ppg, 3.8 apg
#3 Kaden Metheny
R-Junior Guard | 5’10”, 170
11.9 ppg, 2.9 apg, 3.4 rpg
#23 Joseph Venzant
Junior Guard | 6’3″, 200
5.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg
#22 Kyle Rode
R-Senior Forward | 6’7″, 220
13.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.7 apg
#25 Zach Cleveland
Sophomore Forward | 6’7″, 215
11.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.6 apg
Liberty vs Louisiana Tech History
N/A, first meeting
Liberty vs Louisiana Tech Storylines
TOP TWO TEAMS IN CUSA?
Liberty and Louisiana Tech had arguably the most impressive non-conference performances, as a whole, than any other teams in Conference USA. The Flames were 11-4 with four wins over top 150 teams. The Bulldogs were 10-5 with three wins over top 150 teams.
Both teams have struggled recently, though. After a 6-0 start, Liberty has gone 5-6 in its past 11 games while dropping three straight Division I games and has opened CUSA play 0-2. Louisiana Tech dropped four straight DI games before getting back in the win column on Thursday night at Middle Tennessee. Granted, those four losses came by a combined 14 points and were all played on the road.
ISAIAH CRAWFORD, DANIEL BATCHO AN IMPRESSIVE TANDEM
LA Tech boasts one of the most impressive tandem of players in the conference in Isaiah Crawford and Daniel Batcho.
The 6’6″, 220 pound Crawford was the preseason CUSA Player of the Year. He has averaged double figures scoring in each of the three previous seasons. This year, Crawford is currently averaging 14.8 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 41.3% from three.
Batcho is a 6’11”, 235 pound big man who transferred to Louisiana Tech from Texas Tech this season. Originally from Paris, France, Batcho started 16 games for the Red Raiders last season, averaging 7.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. So far this year, Batcho is averaging 14.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks for the Bulldogs.
BULLDOGS UNBEATEN AT HOME THIS SEASON
Under second year head coach Talvin Hester, Louisiana Tech is currently unbeaten on their home floor this season. At 8-0, the Bulldogs have been very tough to beat at Thomas Assembly Center. Their top win came at home against McNeese State earlier in the season.
After opening league play with a split on the road against Sam Houston and Middle Tennessee, the Bulldogs will be looking to defend home court for the first time this year by taking on CUSA preseason favorite Liberty on Sunday afternoon.
