Liberty knocks off Norfolk State, 73-64. Here’s our rapid reactions:
- The Flames pick up their first postseason tournament win since March 17, 2009 when Liberty won its first round game in the CIT. Coach McKay improves to 2-1 at Liberty in postseason tournaments.
- With the win, Liberty picks up its 20th win of the season for the 5th time in school history and just 3rd time in the program’s Division I history. It’s the first time the team has won 20 games since the 2008-09 season, when Coach McKay was also head coach.
- Lovell Cabbil and and Ryan Kemrite combined for 55 points. Both shot 9/13 from the field. Cabbil was 4/8 from 3 while adding 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Kemrite was 6/10 from 3.
- Ryan Kemrite finished with 30 points and was named the MVP of the John McLendon Classic. His 30 points set a McLendon Classic record for points, and he is the first Flame to score 30 points in a game since Davon Marshall scored 31 at Longwood on February 19, 2013.
- While John Dawson did not score and only attempted 2 field goals, he did have 8 assists. The Flames combined for 17 assists on 25 made field goals.
- Due to their only being 26 teams instead of 32 in this year’s CIT, the top 3 teams after the first round is completed will receive a bye into the quarterfinals.
- Norfolk State packed their defense into a tight zone and the Flames weren’t shy to shoot the 3-ball early and often. Liberty attempted 28 three pointers, while connecting on 12 of them. In the first half, 16 of Liberty’s 21 field goal attempts were from 3.
- Liberty outscored the Spartans, 25-8, in points off turnovers. The Flames had 11 turnovers compared to Norfolk State’s 18.
- Former Liberty signee Stavian Allen played in 3 minutes for the Spartans. He missed his only field goal attempt and recorded 1 rebound.
- The Flames move on to the 2nd round of the CIT, opponent and date still to be determined.
