Liberty Holds Off Missouri State 79-76 Behind Balanced Attack

Liberty's high-powered offense was on full display as they took down Missouri State 79-76 in a tightly contested matchup at Liberty Arena. The Flames, now 20-3 on the season, were led by Brett Decker Jr.'s 20 points, while Zach Cleveland added a impressive all-around performance with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Despite being predicted to win by 14.6 points by CHD Scout, Liberty found themselves in a nail-biter, ultimately prevailing by just three points.

The first half saw Liberty take a 42-38 lead, with Decker Jr. and Cleveland combining for 24 points. Missouri State's Keith Palek III kept his team in the game, scoring 15 points in the opening period. The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. Liberty's Josh Smith added 12 points, including several crucial baskets late, to help seal the win.

While CHD Scout correctly predicted a Liberty victory, the actual margin of victory was much closer than anticipated. The Flames' inability to pull away from Missouri State is a reflection of the Bears' resilience and determination. Palek III's 25 points and 9 rebounds were a major factor in keeping his team in the game, and Michael Osei-Bonsu's 16 points and 9 rebounds provided a significant boost off the bench.

This game had real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Liberty, the win marks a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not be as impressive as some of their other wins, but still helps to bolster their already strong record. On the other hand, Missouri State's loss is a Quadrant 1 defeat, which is a notable achievement for a team ranked 197th in the net rankings. The Bears' ability to compete with a top team like Liberty will surely be taken into account by the selection committee.

The outcome of this game reinforces Liberty's position as a strong contender in their conference, while Missouri State's performance demonstrates that they are capable of competing with higher-ranked opponents. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this experience and make a push for the postseason.