The Flames fell to the Houston Cougars 77-54 tonight. Here’s our rapid reaction:
1 – It was a much closer game than the final score shows. Liberty led by 5 early in the 2nd half, and they hung with the Cougars for 30 minutes until Houston closed the game on a 21-2 run. The Flames should be proud of their effort.
2 – Both teams were draining threes all night. Liberty hit 11 and Houston hit 13 and both shot over 40% from behind the arc.
3 – The Flames had no answer for Rob Gray and Damyean Dotson. The duo combined for 44 points to lead the Cougars.
4 – John Dawson continues to struggle. The pre-season first team all Big South selection was held scoreless until the final 3 minutes and was the only Flame to struggle with foul trouble. Liberty desperately needs him to find his scoring touch as conference play begins.
5 – Lovell Cabbil played his best game of the season. The sophomore finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds and certainly deserved the starting nod.
6 – Caleb Homesley’s absence was again noteworthy. When Houston went on their run, Liberty needed someone, like Homesley, to make a big bucket and stop the Cougar run.
6 – Liberty limited the fouls they committed, which is something they’ve struggled with. Houston didn’t shoot a free throw until 15:31 left in the 2nd half. It helped Liberty stay in the game for so long.
7 – Liberty has 8 days off until they begin conference play at Presbyterian next Thursday. Now that the non-conference schedule is over, we’ll get a chance to see where Liberty stands among the teams in the Big South.
