Liberty (13-9, 2-5) looks to snap a two-game losing streak on Saturday at UTEP (12-10, 3-4) in a Conference USA game.
Here’s what you need to know about the game:
How to Watch
9:00 p.m. ET | Saturday, February 3
El Paso, TX | Don Haskins Center
TV: ESPN+
Liberty vs UTEP Odds (KenPom)
Spread: Liberty -3
Projected score: Liberty 70, UTEP 67
Liberty Projected Starters
#0 Colin Porter
Sophomore Guard | 5’9″, 170
8.5 ppg, 4.2 apg
#3 Kaden Metheny
R-Junior Guard | 5’10”, 170
12.3 ppg, 2.8 apg, 3.3 rpg
#23 Joseph Venzant
Junior Guard | 6’3″, 200
5.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg
#22 Kyle Rode
R-Senior Forward | 6’7″, 220
13.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.4 apg
#25 Zach Cleveland
Sophomore Forward | 6’7″, 215
12.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.9 apg
Liberty vs UTEP History
N/A, first meeting.
Liberty vs UTEP Storylines
FLAMES LOOKING TO STOP SKID
Liberty has dropped four of its last six games and five of its last seven against DI competition. It’s been a tough go of things since the calendar turned to January and Conference USA play began. The Flames have lost two of those games in overtime and another decided by just two points.
This time of skid is not something this program is used to in recent years under Coach McKay. With a couple home games next week, Saturday’s game at UTEP provides an opportunity for the Flames to not only stop the skid but build some positive momentum returning home.
ROAD WOES
It’s no secret the Flames have struggled on the road. In true road games this season, Liberty is 1-5 overall and 0-4 in conference play. The only win came against Utah Valley just ahead of the Christmas break. At home and on a neutral floor, the team is 12-4 overall and 2-1 at home.
The road woes are something that needs to be fixed. Could it be as simple as Liberty is a middle of the pack team in Conference USA where the margin of victory is extremely thin and when playing on the road that margin shifts in the opposition’s favor? It’s something to consider.
UTEP MUCH BETTER ON THEIR HOME FLOOR
Speaking of those road woes, Liberty’s Saturday opponent, the UTEP Miners, are much better on their home floor than away from it. The Miners are 11-2 at home this season including a 3-0 mark in conference play. Compare that to their 1-8 overall mark away from home and 0-4 record in conference road games.
