Liberty defeated Alabama State behind the strong play of Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz, 87-70, to finish the New Orleans Shootout with a mark of 1-1 in the 2 day tournament.
After scoring just 2 points in the New Orleans Shootout opener on Thursday, Georgie scored a season-high 19 points while connecting on 5 of his 11 field goals, including 2 of 5 from 3. The sophomore point guard also led the team with 7 assists to just 1 turnover and added 7 rebounds.
Three other Flames reached double figures, as Scottie James, Ryan Kemrite, and Caleb Homesley all had solid afternoons. James finished with 14 points while shooting a perfect 5/5 from the field, including a few highlight worthy dunks. Liberty’s center, the transfer from Bradley, led the team with 8 rebounds. Kemrite and Homesley each had 11 points and 7 boards a piece.
Lovell Cabbil and Ezra Talbert each chipped in 8 points, while Elijah Cuffee added 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 30 minutes. Isaiah Williams finished with 6 points, on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from the field.
Keegan McDowell had 3 points, as he connected from 3 on his only shot attempt of the game. It was the freshman guard’s first made 3 pointer in 7 games, as he had missed his previous 11 attempts.
Myo Baxter-Bell did not play as he recovers from a twisted ankle he suffered against Fort Wayne Thursday.
Liberty concludes non-league play with a record of 9-4. The Flames will begin Big South play next Saturday, December 30th at Gardner Webb.
