Liberty (7-2) is preparing for its top non-conference home game of the season. The Flames take on Grand Canyon (7-1) at Liberty Arena on Saturday.
Here’s what you need to know about the game:
How to Watch
2:00 p.m. ET | Saturday, December 9
Lynchburg, VA | Liberty Arena
TV: ESPNU
Liberty vs Grand Canyon Odds (KenPom)
Spread: Liberty -4
Projected score: Liberty 75, Grand Canyon 71
Liberty Projected Starters
#0 Colin Porter
Sophomore Guard | 5’9″, 170
10.0 ppg, 3.7 apg, 31.9% 3-point
#3 Kaden Metheny
R-Junior Guard | 5’10”, 170
12.2 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.6 rpg
#23 Joseph Venzant
Junior Guard | 6’3″, 200
5.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg
#22 Kyle Rode
R-Senior Forward | 6’7″, 220
14.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.7 apg
#25 Zach Cleveland
Sophomore Forward | 6’7″, 215
9.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg
Liberty vs Grand Canyon History
Liberty is 1-0 all-time against Grand Canyon. The Flames defeated the Antelopoes, 70-61, on Dec. 8, 2019. Caleb Homesley led the way with 17 points and Myo Baxter-Bell scored 15.
Liberty vs Grand Canyon Storylines
ENVIRONMENT SHOULD BE SPECIAL
Grand Canyon boasts one of the best home court advantages and environments for any team in the country, not just at the mid-major level but any level. The Antelops are hoping to bring some of their energy across the country to Lynchburg and Liberty Arena for the nationally televised matchup with the Flames.
GCU is expected to bring some fans with them from Arizona and are trying to have a purple takeover of the Flames’ home venue. if there are enough Liberty students still in town before heading home during Christmas break, the Flames should be able to answer the call and maintain a strong home environment where Liberty has won 20 straight. The game is sold out.
GRAND CANYON A TOP MID MAJOR
This has been a reoccurring theme for Liberty this season, going up against some of the best that the mid major leagues have to offer. First the likes of Furman, Wichita State, Vermont, FAU, and Charleston, and now the Lopes.
Grand Canyon, coached by Bryce Drew, is 7-1 and coming off a win over No. 25 San Diego State on Tuesday night. That was the first Top 25 win for the Antelopes in program history after dropping their first nine against such foes.
They achieved their highest Kenpom ranking ever at 70 a couple weeks ago and opened in the NCAA NET ratings, released Monday, at No. 58. Grand Canyon reached the NCAA Tournament last season before losing to Gonzaga after trailing by just four at half. Then they added seven transfers – five from power conferences.
Gabe McGlothan is a preseason all-conference selection in the WAC and Ray Harrison is the preseason player of the year, and neither is their best player. It’s Tyon Grant Foster, a 6’7″ guard who started his career at Kansas.
ANOTHER CHALLENGE FOR THE FLAMES
Liberty has been tested early and often during the non-conference slate. Some at lower levels than others, but there have been plenty of opportunities for the team to showcase their ability. Except for the two-game slump in Boca, the Flames have looked really good and have put some nice wins on their resume this season.
Saturday’s game, nationally televised, will be another opportunity against a team picked as the preseason favorite in their league and with NCAA Tournament experience from a year ago.
“I’ve known Bryce Drew forever,” said Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay. “I got the privilege of coaching him when we were with USA basketball. Love he and his family. He’s not only a great coach but a terrific person. They will have their team prepared. He’s always done a great job wherever he’s been. It will be another great test that’s on our non-conference schedule. Chalk another one up for an opportunity to grow and get better.”
