Liberty loses its conference opener to Campbell, 53-46. Here’s our rapid reactions:

  1. This game is simple – put the ball in the basket more than your opponent. If you can’t score, you can’t win. 46 points won’t cut it. The Flames shot 21% from the field in the first half and 31% from the field for the game. Throw in 15 turnovers and its no surprise Liberty comes up short.
  2. Liberty’s defense played really well, as they have most of the season. The Flames held Campbell to 53 points and they shot just 28% from the field. Playing good defense is good and everything, but refer to point #1.
  3. At times Campbell played volleyball with the ball off their own backboard. The Flames could not pull down a defensive rebound to save their lives.
  4. Several offensive possessions for the Flames just led me to roll my eyes.
  5. With all that said, Liberty was down by 4 with 1 minute left to play and David Andoh going to the line for 2 FTs. He would miss both and Campbell would seal the game.
  6. Ethan Layer shot 1/6 from the field and 0/5 from 3 including an ill-advised 27-footer. No offense to the kid, but if he’s not knocking down shots, why is he playing?
  7. Joe Retic led the team with 12 points but was just 4/13 shooting from the field.
  8. Peter Moller added 10 points and 5 boards. He was just 3/10 shooting from the field.
  9. Drew Smith finished with 8 points and 12 rebounds. He’s been a monster on the glass all season. Smith did get called for a technical in the final minutes of the game, a critical mistake that a senior shouldn’t be making.

The Flames host Presbyterian on Saturday.