The Liberty Lady Flames picked up a win over Arkansas before losing to Toledo this week in North Carolina in the Cherokee Invitational. The Lady Flames are 7-4 on the season. Here’s a recap of the team’s recent action:
W, 75-61 vs Arkansas, Dec. 18
Liberty jumped out to an early 19-point lead over the Razorbacks, however, the Lady Flames needed a strong fourth quarter to close out the victory and advance to the championship game. Arkansas took a pair of one-point leads in the second half but shot just 25% in the fourth quarter and were held without a made field goal for the final 4:53.
The win marked Liberty’s first over an SEC opponent since Dec. 12, 1998 when the Flames knocked off Kentucky. The Lady Flames are now 2-23 all-time against SEC opponents, having lost 22 straight prior to Wednesday. The win marked just the second CUSA victory over a power conference opponent this season as Middle Tennessee knocked off Purdue on Nov. 28.
Jordan Hodges led the way with 18 points and 7 rebounds while Bella Smuda added 16 points and 8 boards.
L, 71-63 vs Toledo, Dec. 19
Toledo closed the third quarter on a 21-4 run to take control of the Cherokee Invitational championship game. Liberty ran out of steam down the stretch to see its four game win streak halted. The Lady Flames shot just 34.6% from the field during the second half and were out rebounded, 37-29. Bella Smuda was the only Lady Flame to reach double figures, scoring 11 points.
Upcoming schedule
1/2 @ Western Kentucky, 7:30 p.m., ESPN+
1/4 @ Middle Tennessee, 4 p.m., ESPNU
