For the first time in this century, Liberty has started a season at 4-0 after the Flames dispatched East Carolina, 77-57, Saturday afternoon in Greenville, North Carolina. It’s the program’s first ever win over an American Athletic Conference team as Liberty led for 39 minutes of the game.
Scottie James picked up two fouls in the first 90 seconds of the game as he went to the bench. The Flames would miss him in the paint as East Carolina is one of the tallest teams in the country. The Pirates first five points all came on second chance points. ECU took an 8-6 early lead into the first media timeout of the game.
Unlike Tuesday night against South Carolina State, Liberty’s offense got off to a scorching start, thanks in large part to good ball movement and poor East Carolina defense. The Flames made its first five field goal attempts and 8-of-12 to begin the game, taking a 18-9 lead entering the under 12 media timeout, thanks to a 12-1 run. Caleb Homesley made his first three buckets to lead the team with 7 early points.
The Pirates went to a zone as Liberty missed a few open three-pointers. On the other end of the court, ECU was able to knock down a few triples to cut the Liberty lead to one at 21-20.
Both teams hit a cold patch as they combined to make just 2-of-21 field goals coming down the stretch at the end of the first half. The Flames were able to maintain the lead thanks to 10 points by Homesley.
Myo Baxter-Bell filled in admirably for James as he only got three first half minutes after picking up those early fouls. Myo had 7 rebounds to lead the way for the Flames. Kyle Rode hit a three-point at the first half buzzer to give Liberty a 32-26 lead going into the break.
Coach McKay told his team to give the ball to Scottie to open the second half, and they obliged. The redshirt-senior scored the team’s first six points of the second half and then McGhee banged a corner three to push Liberty’s lead to its largest of the game at 41-28 and force a Pirates timeout.
The run continued for Liberty to open the half, pushing its lead to 47-33 on an Elijah Cuffee corner three. He would then connect on two free throws to give Liberty a 16 point lead.
Baxter-Bell had one of the best games of his career as the Pirates bigs could not handle him. On one possession, he got a rebound, brought the ball up the court, and immediately bullied his way into the paint for a bucket. He finished with 6 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. Myo helped push the lead to 20 at the under 12 timeout in the 2nd half, 55-35. The Flames would coast to the win down the stretch.
Homesley had a team-high 25 points while connecting on 6 of his 8 three point attempts. He also added 9 rebounds and 4 assists. McGhee also reached double figures, finishing with 15 points on 3-of-7 shooting from 3.
Liberty returns to action Tuesday night in the Vines Center against Navy.
