The Flames dropped another road game, falling to FIU, 76-71. Let’s take a look at the current condition of Liberty Basketball as we are just a couple of days away from March.
Record:
The Flames are currently 16-11 overall with a 13-11 record over Division I opponents. Liberty is 5-7 in Conference USA play.
Last Week’s Recap:
Last week, the Flames road trip concluded in Miami, Florida as Liberty took on the Panthers. The first half was competitive as the Panthers held onto a three-point advantage going into the break. The Panthers came out of the locker room red-hot, going on a 13-0 run to take a 13-point lead. Liberty would not get another bucket until after the first TV timeout.
The Flames would come back, however, tying the game on a Shiloh Robinson three-pointer with just over eleven minutes remaining. Liberty would eventually take a slight lead and led 63-62 with just over six minutes remaining, but the Flames could only manage eight points in the final six minute-stretch, resulting in a loss.
Despite only 25% from three, FIU dominated in the paint, outscoring the Flames 44-36 inside. Kaden Metheny had another strong outing, scoring 21 points on 9/14 from the field. Kyle Rode added 18 points and six boards, while Brody Peebles and Colin Porter also added ten points apiece. The Flames were able to score, but unfortunately suffered multiple scoring droughts throughout the game that dug them into holes in which they could not come out of. Combine that with not being able to consistently get defensive stops and it results in a tough road loss.
Rankings Roundup:
Here’s where the Flames currently stand in current credible national rankings:
NET: 121 (-8)
KenPom: 120 (-13)
ELO Rankings: 157 (-22)
SOS (Strength of Schedule): 172 (+1)
BPI (Basketball Power Index): 90 (-5)
Best Win: vs #100 Vermont (Quad 2)
*Liberty’s win over Louisiana Tech is a Quad 3 win because it was at home, but the Bulldogs are 82nd in the NET, which is the highest among teams that Liberty has beaten.
Worst Loss: at #299 Florida International (Quad 4)
CUSA Standings: 6th
Statistical Leaders:
Points per game: Kyle Rode – 13.6
Rebounds per game: Joseph Venzant – 6.4
Assists per game: Zach Cleveland – 3.9
Steals per game: Joseph Venzant – 1.1
Blocks per game: Zach Cleveland – 1.1
Field Goal Percentage: Zach Cleveland – 58.4%
Up Next:
The Flames finally have two games on the docket this week, hosting New Mexico State on Thursday and UTEP on Saturday in a two-game homestand.
The Flames will be looking for revenge against the Aggies on Thursday, as New Mexico State defeated Liberty 79-73 in overtime in Las Cruces. Things also got out of hand in that game, as Aggie forward Robert Carpenter sucker punched Liberty’s Shiloh Robinson, causing the Flames senior to break his nose and leave the game. This game could prove to be huge in the final seeding, as Liberty (5-7) is practically even in the standings with New Mexico State (5-8).
On Saturday, Liberty will conclude the week with UTEP. The Flames defeated the Miners in El Paso earlier this month, which still marks Liberty’s only road win in conference play. UTEP was able to bounce back from their loss against Liberty with a win over New Mexico State but has lost four straight since and they currently find themselves in a tie for dead last in the conference with FIU. Both of these games will be crucial for the end of the year standings and seeding in the tournament, as Liberty is only a half a game ahead of New Mexico State in the standings and one and a half games ahead of UTEP. The Flames are currently the 6th seed, but just a half game separates the Flames from Middle Tennessee and Jacksonville State (who have played more games thus far).
While the Flames have struggled on the road, the good news is that their opponents for this week have been worse. Both UTEP and New Mexico State have yet to win a road game this season, going a combined 0-21 away from their home courts. Liberty’s game against New Mexico State will be a 9:00 pm EST tip-off and will be televised on the CBS Sports Network. Liberty’s Saturday game against UTEP will be a 7:00 tip that will be televised on ESPN+.
