Liberty vs PC, WU
The Flames have pushed their win streak to 5 and are winners of 7 out of 9 games following wins this week over Presbyterian and Winthrop. Liberty held the lead for all but 63 seconds of game action in the two wins. Going back to the Gardner-Webb game, the Flames have trailed for 93 seconds of the last 120 minutes of game action. That’s just ridiculous for a team that was winless against Division I teams a month ago. Liberty looks to extend their win streak to 6 for the first time since 2007 on Saturday at High Point. After starting conference play 5-0, the Panthers are 2-4 in their past 6 games.

maxwell1Maxwell Returns
Two weeks ago, we chronicled how Evan Maxwell’s production has significantly declined since he bit through his tongue against UNC-Asheville on January 2nd. He was averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 field goal attempts per game post-injury. In the last 3 games, Maxwell is averaging 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 8 field goal attempts. If he’s able to maintain that level of production, the Flames will be a tough out from here on.

Conference Tournament
It’s been several years since we had any confidence entering February in basketball, but that time has arrived. This year’s Big South Tournament is held at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. It’s about a 3 hour drive from Lynchburg. The tournament starts on Thursday at 2pm, with the top 5 teams having a bye until Friday. Semifinals are Saturday afternoon with the Championship game at 2:30 on Sunday. You can buy a book of tickets for the entire tournament for just $40.

Signing day
Hopefully you caught all of our coverage this week surrounding National Signing Day 2016. If you missed any of it, you can go back and read our Signing Day Live Blog, Coach Gill’s description of all 18 signees, and our Signing Day Recap.

2016 Football Schedule
Not exactly sure what the hold up on releasing the 2016 football schedule is, but when I attended Coach Gill’s signing day press conference the 2016 football schedule was prominently displayed for all to see. The schedule displayed in the FOC, is the exact same one we have and you can see here.

Basketball commits update

  • Brock Gardner has been named a McDonald’s All-American nominee for the state of Arizona. The 6’7” senior wing is averaging 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.85 blocks per game. He’s shooting 59.6% from the field, 41% from 3, and 74% from the FT line.
  • Signee Xzavier Barmore scored 29 points in a win as his team is now 18-2 on the season. The senior point guard is averaging 22.4 points, 6 assists, 5.3 steals, and 4.1 rebounds this year.
  • Josiah Talbert is averaging 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game for Olathe East who is 11-2 on the season.

Women’s basketball update
The Lady Flames are on their own win streak, having won 6 straight to move to 10-2 in Big South play. Liberty is tied for 1st place with UNC-Asheville. Coach Green’s squad returns to action Sunday afternoon as they host Radford.

FlameFans thread of the week
This week’s FlameFans thread of the week is Super Bowl, bring your discussion on the big game!