We are officially into the thick of conference play for the 2023-24 season, with March creeping upon us closer by the day. Let’s take a look at the current condition of Liberty Basketball.
Record:
The Flames are currently 13-7 overall with a 10-7 record over Division I opponents. Liberty is 2-3 in Conference USA play.
Last Week’s Recap:
After starting 0-3 in conference play for the first time since 2015, the Flames rebounded with a 2-0 week, defeating the FIU Panthers and Sam Houston State Bearkats at home.
On Thursday, Liberty secured their first-ever conference win as a member of CUSA, defeating FIU. Kyle Rode led the way for the Flames with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, with Kaden Metheny also adding 16 points and 6 assists on 6-10 shooting from three. The Flames had 26 assists on 27 baskets vs the Panthers.
The Flames continued the momentum on Saturday, defeating Sam Houston 82-66 in front of over 4,000 fans at Liberty Arena. Kyle Rode led the Flames in scoring once again, with another 19-point and 8-rebound performance, and Colin Porter had his best game of the season thus far, scoring 12 points, securing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists. As a team, the Flames shot extremely well, shooting 56.6% from the field and 47.8% from three.
Rankings Roundup:
Here’s where the Flames stand in current credible national rankings:
NET: 106
KenPom: 95
ELO Rankings: 107
SOS (Strength of Schedule): 188
BPI (Basketball Power Index): 69
Best Win: vs #102 Charlotte (Quad 3)
Worst Loss: vs #179 Jacksonville State (Quad 4)
CUSA Standings: T-7th
Statistical Leaders:
Points per game: Kyle Rode – 13.9
Rebounds per game: Joseph Venzant – 7.3
Assists per game: Colin Porter – 4.2
Steals per game: Joseph Venzant – 1.0
Blocks per game: Zach Cleveland – 0.9
Field Goal Percentage: Zach Cleveland – 61.4%
Up Next:
This week, the Flames only have one game on the docket, facing Jacksonville State for the second time on the season. This will be the start of a three-game road trip for Liberty. The Flames fell to the Gamecocks at Liberty Arena earlier this month, 61-51. The Flames had one of their worst shooting performances of the season in that first meeting, going 9-34 from beyond the arc and an abysmal 34% from the field (total). Liberty will look to get their revenge in the Pete Mathews Coliseum this Saturday at 5:00 PM. The game will be televised on ESPN+.
