The Flames knock off Winthrop in a thriller, 88-77. Here’s our rapid reactions:
- This team is a Big South contender. This season. Who would have ever thought that even a month ago? If Ritchie McKay isn’t coach of the year, it will be a crime.
- Coming into the game, the Flames had lost 9 straight and 18 out of 20 to Winthrop. LU’s last win was in December 2010.
- Liberty controlled the game, led the entire way and by as much 20 late in the first half.
- We’ve talked a lot about the Flames success when holding teams to 62 points or fewer this season. Liberty is 8-1 when accomplishing the feat. Of course, Winthrop surpassed that mark, but the Flames were still able to pick up the W. The 88 points are the most Liberty has scored since February 2014 as they improve to 2-14 when opponents score more than 62 points this season. The only other win came against High Point.
- Balanced scoring was again the name of the game for the Flames. A.C. Reid led the way in the first half, scoring all of his 17 points in the opening stanza. John Dawson and Evan Maxwell picked up the pace in the 2nd half, each finishing the game with 20 points. Lovell Cabbil chipped in 14 himself. Dawson’s 20 points are a career-high.
- The 20 points for Maxwell was his highest point total since December 17th when he scored 22 against Princeton.
- Liberty dominated bench points, outscoring the Eagles 23-2. Of course, 17 of those points are accredited to Reid.
- Winthrop gave their best effort early in the 2nd half, primarily thanks to Keon Johnson who was very aggressive. The 3rd leading scorer in the Big South scored 20 of his 23 points in the 2nd half, and got to the free throw line 15 times. The Flames went toe-to-toe with the Big South leader though, and responded to each of their big runs.
- Liberty travels to High Point Saturday night for a 7pm tip.
