The Flames came out slow in their final game of the Corpus Christi Challenge, allowing the Bearkats to jump out to an 8-0 lead, and quickly found themselves down 21-10. Liberty was unable to get much going offensively and only scored 21 points in the first half. This allowed Sam Houston State to go into halftime with a 9 point lead, 30-21.
Sparked by 3s from Davon Marshall and John Caleb Sanders to begin the second half, the Flames were able to quickly cut into the lead. Antwan Burrus would take things from there, scoring 11 points in 8 minutes to give the Flames the advantage. Liberty would never look back, and would almost double their first half total with 41 points in the second half.
JR Coronado leads the Flames with 6 rebounds per game
Burrus would finish with the game high of 15 points, while Coronado and Vander Pol would both have good games on the boards. Coronado tallied 9 rebounds while Vander Pol tied a career high 11 rebounds and added 7 points. JC Sanders had a nice game with 11 points but also had a game high 4 turnovers. Liberty continued to struggle with turnovers, losing the battle 14-8.
No one was able to get things going for the Bearkats. Only James Thomas would reach a double digit score with 10 points, as the Bearkats struggled offensively. Sam Houston only shot 33% against the Flames defense, which held their opponents under 60 points for the 3rd consecutive game.
The win gave the Flames the title for their division in the Corpus Christi Challenge against Hampton, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Sam Houston State. Antwan Burrus, who has really come on recently, would be named to the all-tournament team.
Liberty will have a six day rest before taking on Division III Greensboro College in the Vines Center next Saturday.
