The Flames lost to UNC-Asheville, 76-69. Here’s our rapid reactions:

  1. The loss extended the Flames’ losing streak to 12 straight. It matches the longest losing streak Liberty had last season. They have never lost 13 straight in its Division I history with the only losing streak longer than 12 in school history coming from January 17 – December 9, 1977 when the Flames lost 20 straight over the course of 2 seasons including 13 straight to close the 1976-77 season.
  2. Another bad streak is Liberty has now lost 8 straight to UNCA.
  3. Another new starting lineup for Coach McKay going with Cabbil, Dawson, Homesley, Kemrite, and Maxwell.
  4. It may be a new year, but it’s the same story for this Flames’ team. Turnovers, fouls, rebounds, and a lack of depth continue to plague Coach McKay. Liberty finished the game with 19 turnovers to Asheville’s 13. This caused the Flames to be outscored in points off turnovers, 25-14. Asheville attempted 29 free throws to Liberty’s 15. Liberty was outrebounded 39-34 and UNCA had a 22-16 lead in bench points.
  5. John Dawson reached double figures for the 4th time in 5 games in a Liberty uniform as he scored 13 points.  Dawson also had 6 rebounds, 6 turnovers, and 4 fouls.
  6. Evan Maxwell was injured in the first minute of the game and spent much of the first half in the locker room being attended to. He would return to play the final minutes of the 1st half. Maxwell finished the game playing just 12 minutes while scoring just 4 points.
  7. Coming off a career-high 18 points against Notre Dame, Caleb Homesley grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds. He also scored 9 points.
  8. Kemrite scored 11 points, and also did some dirty work as he drew 2 charges.
  9. Cabbil was able to get to the basket frequently, he didn’t always finish, but that’s something that should come as he adds some muscle to his frame. The true freshman finished with most points he’s had against a DI team in his short Liberty career finishing with 16 points on 5/11 shooting. Cabbil also had 4 assists and 4 rebounds.
  10. The Flames trailed by as much as 22 points early in the 2nd half, but went on a furious rally cutting the score to as close as 5 in the last couple of minutes. Liberty outscored UNCA 44-35 in the 2nd half.
  11. Liberty heads to South Carolina to take on Coastal Carolina Wednesday at 7pm. The Flames have lost 3 straight to the Chanticleers.