Liberty bounced back with an impressive performance on Sunday evening, defeating the host College of Charleston, 68-47. The Flames improve to 4-1 on the season.

“I thought we were hard to play against defensively,” said Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay following the game. “What we lack in size in the guard line, those two dudes – Colin and Kaden – are really tough. Our newcomers, they are bought into our system. I thought we were better. We averted any excuses of maybe being tired or having to play back-to-back nights. Ended up playing pretty efficiently on the offensive end, that helped our defense.”

The game was back and forth during the first 20 minutes, going into the locker room break with a tied score. But, out of halftime, Liberty dominated. The Flames held Charleston scoreless for about 7 minutes while going on a 12-0 run to take control of the game and would not look back.

Cleveland led the way for the Flames with 20 points, but he also had some help. Isaiah Ihnen had his best game in a Liberty uniform with 13 points and 7 rebounds while making 3 of his 5 three pointers.

Owen Aquino added 9 points and 4 rebounds while Jayvon Maughmer had 9 points and 9 rebounds.

The Flames shot 52% from the field and 44% from three while holding Charleston to 31% from the field and behind the arc.

The Flames are back in action as they head to the Virgin Islands for a three game tournament in the Paradise Jam. Liberty will begin play against Louisiana on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Games continue on Sunday and Monday.

FLAMES DOMINATE 2ND HALF

Liberty was fortunate to go into the locker room with the score tied at 29. The Flames shot 27% from three and just 50% from the free throw line in the opening half.

Out of the locker room it was a different team though. Liberty blitzed out to a 12-0 run and held Charleston scoreless until the 12:47 mark of the second half. The lead continued to swell, reaching 19 points just under the 10 minute mark of the second half as Liberty opened the half on a 23-4 run to take a commanding lead.

“We were making shots,” McKay said of the strong play to start the second half. “When you are defending well and on the other end you are making a few shots. Charleston hadn’t played with that big of a deficit. Maybe they got a little anxious and started taking a quicker one or two, and we played the numbers when we got on the offensive end.”

ZACH CLEVELAND GAME

Liberty junior forward Zach Cleveland was dominant. He finished the game with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 blocks, and 3 steals. He was 8 of 12 shooting and made 4 of his free throws.

He began the game aggressive and attacking the Charleston frontcourt, scoring 7 points in the opening minutes. He would pick up that aggressive attacking nature in the second half and helped the Flames push the lead out into double figures and control the game. He also had a hand on the game on the defensive end, playing an all-around game and dominating on both ends of the floor.

“Zach Cleveland, he gives the team what they need,” McKay said. “If that’s assisting, he will assist. He’s a five tool whatever you want to call it player. When you have the offensive prowess that he does, but you have a selfless disposition, that’s a really nice thing to have in your arsenal. We’ve got a group of guys that I think care more about making the right play than making their play.”

DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE

Charleston was one of the more impressive offensive teams in the first couple weeks of college basketball.. They scored 119 points just a couple nights ago in this same event in double overtime to defeat FAU. The lowest the Cougars had scored this season entering was 86.

The Flames held the Cougars to 31% shooting from the field and 4 of 13 from three. A large part of the defensive performance was highlighted by the defense on Charleston’s Ante Brzovic. He entered the game averaging over 30 points per game, but the Flames held him to 10 points on 4 of 13 shooting while he only attempted one three pointer. Liberty threw several different looks at him including different personnel with Owen Aquino, Zach Cleveland, and Isaiah Ihnen all having their opportunities to affect the Charleston big man.

“When you play against FAU and Charleston, both of those teams are so explosive offensively, you’ve got to make them earn,” said McKay. “You can’t beat yourselves. If they are playing transition baskets because you turn it over, or if they are playing three on twos and four on threes, you are in trouble.”