The Liberty Lady Flames took care of business at home against Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State this past week, running the team’s win streak to seven games overall and nine straight at home. Liberty improved to 15-5 on the season and 8-1 in CUSA action, completing the first half of league play tied for first place.
Here’s a recap of the team’s recent action:
W, 74-39 vs Kennesaw State, Jan. 30
Liberty broke open the Thursday night CUSA matchup with Kennesaw State with a 21-0 second quarter run, en route to Liberty’s largest margin of victory in a CUSA contest. The win is Liberty’s sixth straight and eighth straight at home. The Lady Flames knocked down 11 three-pointers and owned a +26 rebounding margin while improving to 12-0 all-time against Kennesaw State. Emma Hess led the team in scoring with 14 points on 4 of 10 shooting from three. The Owls would only score 18 points following Liberty’s 21-0 second quarter burst that changed the game. All 14 of Hess’ points came during the second period helping Liberty to a 20-point halftime lead.
W, 62-53 vs Jacksonville State, Feb. 1
Bella Smuda led the way with 24 points and 13 rebounds on Saturday afternoon against Jacksonville State. The Lady Flames would hold on to the win after the Gamecocks trimmed a 20-point deficit to just one. Dominating on the glass and in the paint, Liberty was able to overcome poor foul shooting, making just 5 of 16 from the line. Jax State got a bucket with 2:56 remaining in the contest to cut their deficit to 54-53, completing an extended surge of 28-9 for the visitors. That proved to be the Gamecocks final points of the afternoon as they missed their final six field goal attempts.
Upcoming schedule
2/6 @ Louisiana Tech, 7:30 p.m., ESPN+
2/8 @ Sam Houston, 3 p.m., ESPN+
CUSA Standings
Liberty………………………8-1
Middle Tennessee…….8-1
Western Kentucky……..6-3
FIU……………………………5-4
Louisiana Tech…………4-5
New Mexico State…….4-5
Jacksonville State…….3-6
Kennesaw State……….3-6
UTEP…………………………2-7
Sam Houston……………2-7