Liberty defeats Presbyterian, 77-61. Here’s our rapid reactions:

  1. The Flames open up conference play 1-0 for the first time since the 2010-2011 season. It’s also the first time starting 1-0 in McKay’s 4 seasons as Liberty’s head coach.
  2. In his first Big South Conference action, Brock Gardner showed no fear. He helped spur Liberty to a 15-0 run as they seized control of the game. Gardner had 10 first half points and finished the game with 11 points and 4 rebounds. He was 4/7 from the field and 2/3 from 3 while playing 30 minutes.
  3. As mentioned, Liberty went on a 15-0 run early in the first half to take control of the game. All 15 points scored during the run were scored by freshmen as Brock Gardner, Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz, and Myo Baxter-Bell paced the charge.
  4. John Dawson finished the game with 4 points on 2/8 shooting and 0/5 from 3. He began the game very aggressive, but he’s just struggling to put the ball in the basket. The Flames will need his production if they want to compete with the likes of Winthrop and UNC Asheville.
  5. Ryan Kemrite quietly put together another solid performance, leading the Flames with 16 points. He shot 5/7 from the floor and 3/5 from 3 while connecting on all 3 of his free throws. Kemrite continues to be one of the most efficient shooters, not only in the Big South, but in the entire country.
  6. Kemrite led the team with 16 points, while Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz added 13 and Gardner had 11. Pacheco-Ortiz did most of his damage in the 2nd half. He also added 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 0 turnovers in 31 minutes.
  7. Behind its 3 scorers in double figures which led the way, the Flames had a balanced scoring attack. 6 different Flames scored between 4 and 8 points on the evening. Liberty’s offense was operating very efficiently, particularly in the 2nd half. LU finished the game shooting 55% from the field and 46% from 3.
  8. The Blue Hose were bottled up by the Pack on the offensive end of the floor. PC was held to 44% shooting and was only 3/18 from 3-point range. Liberty forced 15 Presbyterian turnovers.
  9. This was one of Liberty’s best performances on the road in a long time despite the fact the Flames were outrebounded by 7. PC had 17 2nd chance points compared to Liberty’s 6.
  10. The Flames return to action Saturday afternoon as they remain in the Palmetto State to take on Charleston Southern. Tip is scheduled for 2pm.