The Flames defeat Gardner-Webb on Saturday afternoon. Here’s our thoughts:
- Liberty got off to an incredibly hot start, knocking down 6 of their first 8 3-pointers as the Flames raced out to a 26-10 lead with 11:21 left in the 1st half. Gardner-Webb responded with a 19-2 run as they took a lead entering the final minutes of the first half.
- The win puts an end to the 3 game losing streak as the Flames enter next week’s Big South Tournament.
- It was senior day, and Liberty’s lone senior, Anthony Fields, got the start and played 31 minutes. Fields finished with 8 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds.
- Liberty connected from deep early and often, finishing the game 17-of-36 from 3. The 17 made 3’s tie a school record for made 3-pointers in a game.
- Caleb Homesley finished with a new career-high 22 points. He connected on 5 of his 8 three pointers and made all 5 of his free throws.
- John Dawson finished with 16 points, all 16 coming in the 2nd half. A nice bounce back game for him after struggling in the previous 2 games.
- Lovell Cabbil had 16 points include 4 of 5 shooting on 3-pointers.
- As has been the case the past couple of games, teams have gone to the zone against the Flames. It was no different against Gardner-Webb with the Runnin’ Bulldogs opening the game and spending much of the afternoon in zone. Perhaps to counter the move, Coach McKay went with a virtual all guard starting lineup for the first time this season. Anthony Fields, John Dawson, AC Reid, Caleb Homesley, and Ryan Kemrite got the start.
- If Radford loses to Longwood this afternoon, the Flames will get the 5 seed and have a first round bye. If Radford beats the Lancers, the Flames will get the 6 seed and play the 11 seed in the first round of the tournament on Thursday. With the loss, the Flames will be the 7 seed in next week’s Big South Tournament and will play the 10 seed on Thursday.
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