The Liberty Flames (12-5, 3-1) and North Alabama Lions (9-8, 1-3) will meet Thursday evening in Lynchburg, Virginia at Liberty Arena.
The Lions turned some heads and grabbed some attention with a win at Ole Miss in late December. They would then open conference play with a win over the reigning regular season champs, Jacksonville State. Since then though, UNA has dropped three straight, falling to Bellarmine, Lipscomb, and Stetson.
“North Al is playing well, they’ve got a confidence,” said Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay. “It seems like the shackles are off because they are eligible for the NCAA Tournament and postseason play. Always have had a lot of respect for (Coach) Tony (Pujol). I think this version of the Lions are his best team since he’s been there, and we expect a real tough out.”
Here’s everything you need to know for Thursday’s matchup:
How to Watch – Liberty Flames (12-5, 3-1) vs North Alabama (9-8, 1-3)
- Date: Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023
- Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN+
- Online Streaming: Watch ESPN
- Radio (Lynchburg): LFSN Radio (107.5 FM)
Odds and Statistics
- KenPom currently gives Liberty a 95 percent chance to win the game with a predicted score of 78-60.
- ESPN’s Basketball Power Index currently gives Liberty a 95.9 percent chance to win the game.
Previous Matchup
- Liberty leads the all-time series, 8-0.
- Kyle Rode had 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists while Darius McGhee added 18 points to help the Flames knock off UNA, 72-53, on Jan. 27, 2022.
Probable Starters
Stat Leaders (2022 Season)
Liberty:
- Points: Darius McGhee – 21.1 PPG
- Rebounds: Joseph Venzant – 5.2 RPG
- Assists: Kyle Rode – 4.0 APG
Ritchie McKay Press Conference Pre-North Alabama
