This week’s ASOR Player of the Week, is Darius McGhee. Anyone surprised? It seems like nearly every week Darius McGhee is breaking new records or recording a career achievement, and this week was no different.
Starting off at home on Tuesday, McGhee had a solid outing against North Florida, recording 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in a Liberty win. That game, however, pales in comparison to McGhee’s performance Saturday night against Florida Gulf Coast. McGhee torched the Eagles, breaking a Liberty Men’s Basketball single-game scoring record by dropping a career-high 48 points in Alico Arena. McGhee shot 16-25 from the field, including 8-14 from three, and a perfect 8-8 from the free-throw line. McGhee’s 48 points marked the most points scored in a game by an NCAA Division I player this season.
The reigning ASUN Player of the Year is having another incredible season. On the season, McGhee is averaging 22.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. McGhee is also shooting very well from the field at a 46% clip. The Roxboro, NC native leads Liberty in scoring, steals, minutes played, and free throw percentage. McGhee also ranks in the top three on the team in both rebounds and assists. With his 48-point outburst against FGCU, McGhee is now the nation’s current leader in total points scored, with 410. McGhee also leads the nation in three-pointers made. Saturday night marked the 12th game this season in which McGhee has reached 20+ points and the second game that McGhee has reached the 40-point threshold.
Darius McGhee is literally the top scorer in the nation. For now, only the Flames can claim the nation’s leading scorer as Liberty heads into the thick of conference play. McGhee’s scoring ability will be much needed this week as the Jacksonville Dolphins come to town. Like the Flames, the Dolphins are undefeated in conference play and boast the nation’s top scoring defense, allowing just under 55 points per game. The nation’s top scorer facing one of the top defenses in the nation looks to be a top storyline heading into Tuesday’s matchup.
After the Dolphins, Liberty will face Kennesaw State on Thursday, who is also currently unbeaten in the ASUN, before taking on Central Arkansas on Saturday. With a stretch of important games coming up for the Flames, Darius McGhee’s elite ability to score will be crucial in order for Liberty to remain unscathed in conference play.
