Liberty improved to 7-3 on the season, with a 91-38 victory over Carver College.
Coming into tonight’s matchup against NCCAA Carver College, the Flames did not expect a close matchup and they did not get one. While this was a relatively easy test for the Flames, this game proved valuable for multiple reasons. The first reason has to do with adjusting to the nearing conference schedule. As conference play looms for the Flames, Liberty will have to get used to playing back-to-back games due to the new format that the ASUN incorporated. The second reason has to do with getting bench players valuable minutes and solid playing time that will prove valuable later in the year.
Liberty’s bench had a field day, scoring 67 out of the Flame’s 93 points. The Freshman class in particular shined. Micaiah Abii had a great night, leading the Flames in scoring with 17 points, and adding 5 assists as well. Drake Dobbs had a career-high of 9 points and added 3 rebounds to the tally. Jonathan Jackson made his season debut last night against South Carolina State, and followed today with 6 point performance on 2-5 shooting, along with 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Isiah Warfield added 5 points, as we saw some great things from the highest-rated class in program history. The freshman class scored 37 combined points, and there were even two separate instances where the entire class was seen on the court at the same time. Games like these, allow an opportunity for the young players to develop and form chemistry, as they receive solid minutes while playing alongside each other.
Liberty had 13 different players score tonight, as it seemed everyone got a piece of the action. Marten Maide had a career-high 7 points, and both Tytist Dean and Luke McKay scored their first baskets of the year. McKay caught fire in the final minutes, after hitting a short jumper on an assist from Abii, the coach’s son hit back-to-back threes to end the scoring for the Flames. McKay finished with a career-high of 8 points, and Dean added 4 of his own.
Liberty went 13-29 (44.8%) from three-point range, as the Flames continue to be one of the nation’s best three-point shooting teams. The Flames outrebounded the Cougars 37-21 and won the turnover battle 16-8.
The Flames improve their home win streak to 28 games, as they turn their attention to Alcorn State. The Bravehawks have only played one game on the young season, losing in a 99-50 thrashing to UAB. Alcorn State will play one more game before facing Liberty, however, as they will face #6 Houston. Alcorn State will conclude the non-conference slate for Liberty before the Flames face Lipscomb on January 1st to open ASUN play.
