Flames drop their 4th straight, falling to Asheville 75-72.

  1. The last time Liberty lost 4 straight conference games was December 31, 2011 – January 10, 2012. When I looked that up I was shocked the Flames didn’t lose 4 straight last year. Actually, Liberty didn’t even lose 3 straight conference games last season. It seemed much worse while going through the season.
  2. Asheville jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead and led the entire 1st half.
  3. The Bulldogs led 51-34 with 18 1/2 minutes to play before the Flames responded with an 18-1 run. Joe Retic was instrumental in the come back both on offense and defense. The reserve guard finished the game with 10 points, and played solid defense on Asheville’s Andrew Rowsey for much of the 2nd half.
  4. Liberty led 65-62 with about 5 minutes to play, but the Flames were again unable to close out the game in the final 5 minutes. UNCA finished on a 8-3 run.
  5. Coach Dale Layer was called for 2 technicals and was ejected from the game.
  6. The Flames had 4 players score in double figures; however, none by the name of Marshall or Sanders. Davon and John Caleb finished a combined 1-for-18 from the field.
  7. Antwan Burrus led the way with 22 points and 12 rebounds.
  8. Drew Smith continues his stellar play as the junior forward finished the game with his 3rd straight double-double going for 14 points and 10 boards.
  9. Tomasz Gielo rounded out the 4 Flames in double figures finishing with 12.
  10. Liberty had 3 turnovers in the final 1:14, but I’m sure the inopportune turnovers weren’t a story of the game.
  11. When will the bleeding stop? Liberty hosts Gardner-Webb Tuesday night as they will try to stop their 4 game losing streak.

Box Score