Liberty's high-powered offense was on full display as they took down Sam Houston State 82-74 at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. The Flames, now 17-3 on the season, were led by the outstanding performance of Zach Cleveland, who tallied 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. This impressive showing helped Liberty secure a significant road victory, one that will undoubtedly bolster their resume as the season progresses.
The first half saw a closely contested battle, with Liberty holding a slim 34-33 lead at the break. However, it was in the second half that the Flames truly began to assert their dominance. A strong 48-point performance in the final 20 minutes, led by Cleveland's exceptional all-around play, allowed Liberty to pull away from the Bearkats. Sam Houston State's Kashie Natt did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 20 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, but it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome the Flames' potent attack.
JJ Harper and Brett Decker Jr. also made significant contributions for Liberty, scoring 20 and 16 points, respectively. Their efforts, combined with Cleveland's triple-double, proved too much for the Bearkats to handle. On the other side, Po'Boigh King and Justin Begg chipped in with 14 and 13 points, respectively, but Sam Houston State's offense was unable to match the pace set by the Flames.
As the season enters its critical stretch, this victory will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Liberty's tournament chances. The win, classified as a Quadrant 2 victory for the Flames, will help to strengthen their resume and potentially improve their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. For Sam Houston State, the loss represents a missed opportunity to secure a Quadrant 3 win, which could have helped to bolster their own postseason hopes.
With this result, Liberty continues to build momentum and solidify their position as a formidable force in college basketball. As they move forward, they want to continue their strong play and make a deep run in the tournament. The Flames' impressive performance on the road, led by the exceptional play of Zach Cleveland, will undoubtedly be a key factor in their pursuit of success. This win will be a valuable addition to Liberty's resume, one that will serve them well as they navigate the challenges of the remaining season.