Here’s our rapid reactions following Liberty’s 90-52 win over Summit:

  1. The Flames’ offense flowed much more freely tonight compared to the opener against Covenant on Friday. Liberty shot a scorching 59% from the field and 50% from 3-point range.
  2. Lovell Cabbil was lights out in the first half. The true freshman guard, who hit the game-winning free throws in the opener, had 19 points on the evening, all of which came in the first half. He only attempted 1 shot in the 2nd half, but finished 6/8 from the field and 5/7 from 3-point range. Cabbil also added 4 assists and 3 rebounds.
  3. Ryan Kemrite was 6/7 from 3-point range and finished with a team-high 22 points. He added 4 assists.
  4. Ezra Talbert had a career high 18 points on 7/8 shooting including 3/4 from 3. Ezra chipped in 5 boards.
  5. It will be interesting to watch how the point guard minutes are distributed throughout the season between Anthony Fields and Hansel Atencia. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Atencia gradually overtake Fields as the lead point guard as the season progresses. Fields finished with 7 points, 2 assists, and 2 turnovers. The defense also played well off him, daring him to shoot from range. Atencia did not score, but played a very solid game with 5 assists, 1 turnover, and 3 rebounds.
  6. Evan Maxwell continued his stellar play to begin the season. Coming off a double-double in the opener, he followed it up with 14 points and 7 rebounds on 7/8 shooting. Of course, he’s had 4-5 inches on all of his defenders in the first 2 games this year. It will be good to see how he fares against Division I competition and size beginning on Tuesday.
  7. The Flames attempted 28 3 pointers on the evening. That’s more 3-point attempts than Liberty attempted in any single game a season ago. No surprise, as LU set all sorts of 3-point team and individual records in McKay’s first stint as head coach.
  8. I’m fairly confident I saw Brendan Newton in attendance tonight. Newton is a 7’2″ class of 2017 prospect who has offers from Liberty, Longwood, and Appalachian State. ESPN ranks Newton as a 4-star prospect. From nearby Roanoke, it wouldn’t be a shock if he was in attendance. Obviously, Newton would be a huge addition if the Flames can land him.
  9. The Flames have a big test Tuesday when William & Mary pays a visit to the Vines Center. The Tribe defeated NC State, 85-68, in their opener Friday night.