Decker’s 25 points leads Liberty past Delaware, 67-51

Liberty (17-3, 9-0 CUSA) extended its win streak to 11 on Saturday afternoon with a 67-51 win over Delaware (5-14, 1-7) in front of 3,475 fans at Liberty Arena. It is the fewest points Liberty has scored in a CUSA game this season and the second fewest in a win (64 vs Dayton).

“If you look at their scores, you get misled at how competitive they’ve been, but that’s a group that is still fighting,” said Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay of the Blue Hens. “They played great against BYU in the Marriott Center. They play with a fearlessness, I think those teams are dangerous.”

Entering Saturday’s game, the Flames had led for 256:57 of a possible 325 minutes in conference play (79.1 percent). That changed in the early going Saturday as Liberty was as cold shooting as the temperature outside. LU missed its first six shots, falling behind, 4-0 in the opening minutes. The Flames trailed for the first 7:10 of the game before taking its first lead at 11-8. After missing its first six shots, Liberty made 4 of 6 and helped spur the team to a 9-0 run while holding Delaware scoreless for more than four minutes. Playing a matchup zone, the Blue Hens frustrated and slowed down Liberty’s potent offensive attack at times, but guard Brett Decker was able to frequently find space in the corner, making 4 triples in the opening half to lead the team with 16 first half points.

The Flames held the Blue Hens scoreless for nearly five minutes to open the second half and continued to add to its lead despite being inconsistent on the offensive end. An 8-0 run later in the first half helped Liberty push the game into double figures while being aided by Delaware’s turnover issues.

“To Delaware’s credit, they shortened the game,” McKay said. “They played a zone nearly every possession. That’s who they are because they have a limited bench. We are a pretty proficient three point shooting team and unselfish. I think their plan slowed us down a little bit.”

Decker finished with a game high 25 points on 8 of 16 shooting and 6 of 12 from three. It was t he most points he has scored since the FIU game in the CUSA opener on Dec. 28 and the third most points he has scored in a game this season.

JJ Harper was the only other Flame to reach double figures, scoring 10 on 4 of 8 shooting. Colin Porter had 8 points, 7 assists (season high), and 5 rebounds. Zach Cleveland finished with 4 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Kaden Metheny had 9 points on 3 of 10 shooting from three. Josh Smith had 8 points and 4 rebounds, making all four of his field goal attempts.

“There’s not a spot that Brett doesn’t like,” McKay said. “We have the ability to space you because we have three very proficient three-point shooters. JJ Harper, who’s really good at it, did not make an attempt from three. That speaks to his selflessness. Josh Smith, RJ (Jones), Zander Carter, they can make threes. For us, our guys are pursuant of trying to get the best shot available. Brett was the benefactor of that tonight.”

Liberty finished the game shooting 47.1% from the field and 11 of 30 (36.7%) from three. The Flames were also 8 of 13 (61.5%) from the free throw line. Liberty forced 16 turnovers while only committing 6. The Flames also limited the Blue Hens to just one offensive rebound for the game.

The Flames improve its best start to a conference season in program history at 9-0 now. Entering Saturday, the Flames are one of 14 teams in the nation currently unbeaten in conference play. Liberty’s 11-game winning streak is tied for the third longest in school history and the longest since a 12-game winning streak from Jan. 16-March 7, 2021. The Flames also remain unbeaten at home, improving to 11-0. Saturday’s 67 points is the lowest scored in a home game this season.

This was the third all-time meeting meeting the two programs but first since the 2014-15 season. The Fightin’ Blue Hens are in their inaugural CUSA season, while this is the third year in the league for the Flames. The series is even 1-1, with each team winning at home. The last matchup between the two institutions came on Nov. 17, 2014, a 61-55 Flames win at the Vines Center. Tomasz Gielo also led the way with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds.

“I don’t think they get the credit they deserve for how much offensive prowess they possess,” said McKay of the Blue Hens. “They are a good team. Christian Bliss is a terrific player. I thought our guys did a terrific job on him. We will need to replicate that when we are in Delaware.”

The 51 points Delaware scored is the fewest a Liberty opponent has scored since Coppin State had 50 on Dec. 6 and it is the third fewest in a game this season. It is also the second fewest the Blue Hens have scored all season.

“Hopefully we are improving on that end,” said McKay of his defense. “We have a group of guys who are willing defensively. We have a defensive selflessness that is growing. I think when it’s not just about my man scoring and you are hard to play against our team, I think that’s when we are at our best.”

The Flames are scheduled to play in Murfressboro, Tennessee on Thursday night against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the team’s final game in the month of January. MTSU is currently 11-8 on the season and 5-3 in conference play. Entering Saturday’s action, they are tied with Missouri State and Jacksonville State for second place in CUSA behind the Flames. Middle Tennessee lost at Jax State, 75-58, on Friday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.