Liberty secured a crucial 73-71 win over New Mexico State at Liberty Arena, thanks in large part to a balanced offense led by JJ Harper's 17 points. The Flames, now 17-3 on the season, were able to withstand a late surge from the Aggies and protect their home court. Harper's performance was matched by teammate Brett Decker Jr., who also scored 17 points, while Josh Smith added 14 points to the effort.
The first half belonged to Liberty, as they built a 17-point lead by halftime, with the score sitting at 46-29. However, New Mexico State refused to back down, mounting a fierce comeback in the second half. The Aggies outscored the Flames 42-27 in the final 20 minutes, with Anthony Wrzeszcz leading the charge with 16 points. Wrzeszcz's efforts, combined with 15 points and 6 rebounds from Jemel Jones, brought the Aggies within striking distance, but ultimately fell just short.
The win marks a significant Quadrant 3 victory for Liberty, which will undoubtedly boost their tournament resume. As the Flames continue to navigate their schedule, they want to build on this performance and make a strong case for a postseason bid. On the other side, New Mexico State, now 10-9, secured a valuable Quadrant 2 loss, which will also factor into their tournament chances.
Liberty's ability to hold off the Aggies' second-half push was a reflection of their resilience and determination. Despite being outscored in the final 20 minutes, the Flames made key plays late to secure the win. The victory will undoubtedly give Liberty a confidence boost as they move forward, and their balanced offense will be a key factor in their success.
For New Mexico State, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, but the Aggies can take solace in their strong second-half performance. Wrzeszcz and Jones led the charge, and their efforts matters in the Aggies' pursuit of a tournament bid. As the season wears on, New Mexico State want to build on this performance and make a push for the postseason.
The outcome of this game will have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Liberty's win strengthens their resume, while New Mexico State's loss will make their road to the postseason more challenging. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to make a strong finish and secure a spot in the tournament. For now, Liberty can celebrate a hard-fought victory, while New Mexico State want to regroup and bounce back from a tough loss. The Flames' tournament chances have undoubtedly been bolstered by this result, and they want to continue their strong play in the coming weeks.