Liberty's high-powered offense was on full display at the Murphy Center, as the Flames cruised to an 81-65 victory over Middle Tennessee State. Kaden Metheny stole the show, scoring 29 points and grabbing 5 rebounds to lead Liberty to their 18th win of the season. The Flames' impressive performance was a reflection of their strength, and they never trailed in the game.
At halftime, Liberty held a commanding 43-29 lead, thanks in large part to Metheny's 17 first-half points. Middle Tennessee State's Torey Alston tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Flames' balanced attack. Sean Smith added 19 points for the Blue Raiders, but their offense struggled to keep pace with Liberty's high-scoring machine.
The Flames' victory was predicted by CHD Scout, who had Liberty winning by 4.8 points. However, the actual margin of victory was much larger, as Liberty dominated the game from start to finish. The 16-point win was a convincing statement from the Flames, who improved their record to 18-3 on the season.
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Zach Cleveland and JJ Harper also made significant contributions for Liberty, with Cleveland posting 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists, and Harper adding 13 points. The Flames' depth and talent were too much for Middle Tennessee State to handle, as they pulled away in the second half to secure the win.
The loss was a Quad 3 game for Middle Tennessee State, who fell to 11-9 on the season. For Liberty, the win was a valuable Quad 2 victory, which will help boost their resume as they push for a tournament bid. The Flames' strong performance will certainly catch the attention of the selection committee, and they want to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
With this win, Liberty solidifies their position as a strong contender in the college basketball landscape. Their impressive record and dominant performance against Middle Tennessee State will undoubtedly improve their tournament chances. As the season progresses, the Flames want to continue their winning ways and make a deep run in the postseason. For now, they can celebrate a convincing victory over a tough opponent, and look forward to their next challenge.