After a break for Christmas, Liberty (10-3) returns to play on Saturday against Alabama (7-5). This game is the C.M. Newton Classic played in Birmingham on a neutral floor.
Here’s what you need to know about the game:
How to Watch
2:00 p.m. ET | Saturday, December 30
Birmingham, AL | Legacy Arena
TV: ESPN+
Liberty vs Alabama Odds (KenPom)
Spread: Liberty +8
Projected score: Alabama 82, Liberty 74
Liberty Projected Starters
#0 Colin Porter
Sophomore Guard | 5’9″, 170
9.4 ppg, 3.7 apg
#3 Kaden Metheny
R-Junior Guard | 5’10”, 170
11.7 ppg, 3.0 apg, 3.3 rpg
#23 Joseph Venzant
Junior Guard | 6’3″, 200
6.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg
#22 Kyle Rode
R-Senior Forward | 6’7″, 220
13.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
#25 Zach Cleveland
Sophomore Forward | 6’7″, 215
10.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.5 apg
Liberty vs Alabama History
Liberty is 0-2 all-time against Alabama. The losses have both come in the past few years, with the Flames losing, 84-75, on Dec. 18, 2018 and last year, 95-59, on Nov. 11, 2022.
Liberty vs Alabama Storylines
FLAMES TRYING TO BOUNCEBACK FROM TOUGH SHOWING LAST YEAR
Liberty had a rough showing last year against the Crimson Tide on their home floor. The game, which was the second of the season for both teams (Liberty’s first against a Division I opponent), was nearly over before it started. Alabama jumped out to a 24-14 lead midway through the first half. The margin stayed in double figures and a 17-2 run in the second half pushed it to over 20 points before Alabama cruised to a 36 point win.
Liberty’s Darius McGhee had one of his worst games in his career in that contest last season. He finished with just 8 points on 3 of 11 shooting with 3 turnovers. The Flames were led by Shiloh Robinson’s 11 points and Brody Peebles who had 10 points in the return to his home state.
The Crimson Tide had a really good team last year, entering the NCAA Tournament as a #1 seed. They advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to San Diego State to finish the year at 31-6 overall.
ALABAMA BETTER THAN THEIR RECORD
The Crimson Tide may be just 7-5 so far this year but they are likely much better than their record indicates. Their losses have come against some of the best teams in the country, falling to Purdue, Arizona, Creighton, Clemson, and Ohio State.
Alabama has wins over Oregon and Indiana State and picked up a win this past Saturday over ASUN preseason favorite Eastern Kentucky, 111-67.
FINAL DI TEST BEFORE CUSA PLAY
This will be Liberty’s final test against a Division I opponent before conference play begins. The Flames, who are first year members in Conference USA, will open league play on January 6th at Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The team’s CUSA home opener is on Jan. 10 against Jacksonville State.
The Flames are co-preseason favorites in CUSA this season, alongside Middle Tennessee. The non-conference schedule has presented several looks for Liberty and many teams that will be comparable to what the team will see in conference play. Saturday’s contest against Alabama will be another one of these tests.
