Liberty improved to 2-0 on the season with a last second win over Seattle, 66-64, on the road Saturday night.
“That was a great college basketball game,” said Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay. “They are a really good team. They won the CBI last year. They had only lost six games in the last three years here. Coach Victor does a fabulous job. That was a good win because how good of a season they will have. Really proud of our group and their perseverance.”
The Flames trailed 64-58 with 1:57 remaining in the contest but would close on an 8-0 run to pick up the win.
Colin Porter got a layup to begin the run, followed by a steal from the Liberty point guard. The Flames then got crucial three pointers from Kaden Metheny, the final one coming with three seconds on the clock with the team trailing, 64-63.
Owen Aquino would steal the Seattle inbounds pass on the final play and dribble out the clock to seal the victory.
Both teams struggled offensively in the early going. Liberty turned the ball over 8 times in t he first half while shooting just 38% from the field and 3 of 12 from three. Jayvon Maughmer was the lone bright spot, scoring 12 points while making all 5 of his shots including two three pointers. Taelon Peter was whistled for three first half fouls while Colin Porter and Owen Aquino each had two personals in the opening half. Liberty and Seattle were tied at 27 at the break.
The Flames return to action on Tuesday, taking on Carolina University in the team’s home opener. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
METHENY COMES UP CLUTCH AGAIN
Flashbacks to last year’s win over Louisiana Tech at Liberty Arena anyone? That’s what we were all thinking, Metheny included after this one.
The Flames trailed by 4 with just over a minute to play. With the shot clock running down, Metheny got open and buried a triple to make it a one point game. After a defensive stop that featured two missed shots by the Redhawks, Metheny got another clean look and buried it from the top of the key with 3 seconds remaining.
It was a pretty quiet night for the Liberty guard prior to the final minute. He would finish with 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting from three, leading the Flames in scoring on the night.
“Credit to Coach,” Metheny said of McKay. “I had an awful game up until the last two minutes of the game. He was in my ear all game telling me that a shot’s going to come. Wouldn’t want to play for any other coach than Coach McKay.”
BACK AND FORTH CONTEST
Both Liberty and Seattle are expected to compete at the top of their respective conferences this season. Playing on their home court for homecoming, the Redhawks looked like they were going to take advantage of their home crowd and pull away for a win late.
That didn’t happen, but it was an extremely competitive mid-major basketball game that had the feeling of a late February conference clash. The game featured 11 ties and 18 lead changes with no team leading by more than 6 points. That 6 point lead, the largest of the night, came from Seattle with about 2 minutes left in the contest.
“You want to be tested,” said McKay. “We go to Charleston for FAU and Charleston. I’ve snuck a peak at both of them, they are really good. I think games like this help prepare you for your league.”
BALANCED SCORING ATTACK
It wasn’t the prettiest offensive game. Both teams struggled at times to put the ball in the bucket. The Flames struggled with turnovers, finishing with 15 on the night.
But Liberty had a balanced attack on the offensive end, something that may become common for the team this season. Metheny led with 15. It was Jayvon Maughmer in the first half, scoring 12 points and making all of his field goal attempts early. Colin Porter had moments, finishing with 10 points and 5 assists. Owen Aquino had 11 points and 9 rebounds as he fought through foul trouble, finishing with four. Zach Cleveland had 9 points and 5 boards.
“For our group to be as connected as they are with so many different faces with so many different roles that they played before they got here,” said McKay. “I think it’s a testament to our returners, their selflessness, their willingness to sacrifice their own for ours. And then the character of our new guys. Not only are they talented, but they really, really want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
