The Flames win their 3rd straight game, defeating Gardner-Webb, 69-55. Here’s our thoughts:

  1. It’s the first time Liberty has won 3 straight since the 2013 Big South Tournament when the Flames went on an improbable streak to the championship. It’s also the Flames’ first 3-game regular season win streak over Division I opponents since February 2012. That’s 4 years without a 3 game win streak during the regular season.
  2. The Flames are now 7-1 when holding their opponents to 62 points or fewer. Did someone mention the packline?
  3. Calvin Hoffman made his season debut after missing the first 23 games of the season with a leg injury. He even knocked down a 3 to end a Gardner-Webb 13-0 run in the 1st half.
  4. It’s remarkable the Flames were able to overcome that 13-0 run to win a game on the road. During that stretch, Liberty went 5 minutes without scoring a point, shooting 0/5 and committing 4 turnovers. LU even overcame an 8-0 GWU spurt in the 2nd half.
  5. Liberty had 16 turnovers on the night, but only committed 1 in the final 12 minutes of the game.
  6. Liberty fouled a 3-point shooter 3 times. It once led to a 4-point play, and another time the Runnin’ Bulldogs missed all 3 FTs. Gardner-Webb struggled from the line all night, finishing 12/25 from the charity stripe.
  7. 4 Flames scored in double figures, led by John Dawson’s 17 points. Ryan Kemrite added 14 points and 10 rebounds. Caleb Homesley finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds while Evan Maxwell had 10 points. The 10 rebounds are a career high for Kemrite, and first time Maxwell has finished in double figures in 8 games.
  8. LU controlled the game, leading by as much as 15 points and for all but 30 seconds.
  9. #McKayforCOY If this continues, McKay has to be the Big South Coach of the Year.
  10. The Flames return to action Saturday night at Presbyterian.