Liberty has now lost 7 straight games after falling to Lamar, 73-58 Saturday afternoon in the Vines Center. Here are a few thoughts following the game:
- The first half was historically poor for the Flames. Liberty had more turnovers (15) than points (14) in the first 20 minutes as they shot just 18% from the field. The 14 points scored by the Flames, ties a Vines Center record for fewest points in a half.
- Liberty’s defense played fairly well, holding the Cardinals to 73 points. Lamar was averaging 81.1 points per game coming in.
- Coach McKay switched up the starting lineup for the 2nd consecutive game as he inserted Caleb Homesley in place of Anthony Fields. It was Homesley’s first career start and he continues to play well finishing with 9 points and 3 rebounds in a season high 24 minutes.
- Teams continue to pressure the Flames full court, and it has bothered them. Liberty had 15 turnovers in the first half, they would finish the game with 17 turnovers.
- Maxwell was again being doubled, even when he didn’t have the ball Lamar was doubling him. He only attempted 1 field goal in the 1st half, but come out very aggressive in the 2nd half finishing with 15 points and 6 rebounds.
- It seems to be a recurring theme for the Flames this season, losing the battle of the boards and points off turnovers. Liberty was out-rebounded 33-21, was beaten in 2nd chance points 10-4, and in points off turnovers 14-4. Lamar also had 40 bench points to Liberty’s 15.
- Playing against a familiar team from his home state of Texas and against a high school teammate, Lovell Cabbil took this game personal. He finished the game with 14 points after knocking down 4 of his 8 3-pointers. More impressive, was his 4 assists to 0 turnovers as the freshman guard has been struggling with his ball control.
- The Flames head to Princeton to take on the Tigers on Thursday.
