The Liberty Flames (4-1) men’s basketball team has moved their operations to the Virgin Islands for the next several days as the team competes in the 2024 Paradise Jam. Liberty opens play in this three-game, eight-team event on Friday evening against Louisiana (1-3).

Here’s what you need to know about the game:

Liberty vs Louisiana How to Watch

5:30 p.m. ET | Friday, November 22
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands | Sports and Fitness Center
TV: ESPN+

Liberty vs Louisiana Odds (KenPom)

Spread: Liberty -12
Projected score: Liberty 73, Louisiana 61

Liberty Projected Starters

#0 Colin Porter

Junior Guard | 5’10”, 170
5.4 ppg, 5.0 apg, 2.2 rpg

#3 Kaden Metheny

R-Senior Guard | 5’11”, 170
14.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg

#32 Jayvon Maughmer

Senior Guard | 6’6″, 205
8.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg

#25 Zach Cleveland

Junior Forward | 6’7″, 220
12.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 4.8 apg

#8 Owen Aquino

Junior Forward | 6’8″, 230
10.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.0 bpg

Liberty vs Louisiana History

N/A, first meeting

Liberty vs Louisiana Storylines

START WEEK OFF STRONG

This could be a really good week for the Flames in the Virgin Islands. If Liberty stays in the winner’s bracket, there’s certain to be some other good quality competition on the horizon this weekend. Kansas State and/or George Washington loom for round two while UAB and/or McNeese figure to be strong mid-major teams once again this season.

If Liberty can handle business on Friday afternoon, the Flames should go into the weekend feeling good and with two more strong games added to the docket.

TOUGH EARLY SEASON FOR LOUISIANA

The Ragin’ Cajuns are led by head coach Bob Marlin who is in his 15th season leading Louisiana. Under his tutelage, Louisiana has reached the NCAA Tournament twice, including just two seasons ago when they entered as a 13-seed after winning the Sun Belt title and finished the year at 26-8. Last season, Louisiana was 19-14 overall and 10-8 in the Sun Belt, finishing in 5th place in the conference.

They were expected to have a strong team once again this season, picked fourth in the preseason Sun Belt poll behind Arkansas State, James Madison, and Troy. Things haven’t gone so well for the Ragin’ Cajuns yet though through the first two weeks of the season. They opened the year with a 70-66 loss at home to Kent State. After beating non-Division I member Texas Dallas, 82-65, Louisiana has lost to Houston (91-45) and Rice (83-61).

ALL-CONFERENCE PERFORMER INJURED

Hosana Kitenge was named to the All Sun Belt Third-Team last season after averaging 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. The 6’8″ forward is a senior from England who began his collegiate career at Three Rivers Community College. He has yet to play this season as he is dealing with an injury.

Coach Marlin and Louisiana have been trying to figure it out in the early going without their expected leader on the floor. Christian Wright, a 6’3″ senior guard, currently leads the team at 9 points per game while making just 1 of his 9 three point attempts. 6’6″ forward Mostapha El Moutaouakkil is second on the team in scoring at 8.8 points per game. There are four players currently averaging between 8 and 9 points per game this season for the Ragin’ Cajuns.