The Liberty Flames (19-5, 10-1) and Lipscomb Bisons (14-10, 6-5) will meet Saturday evening in Nashville, Tennessee.

After losing to Liberty in Lynchburg in early January, the Bisons won five out of six games to improve to 5-3 in the ASUN. Lipscomb then dropped two straight, both on the road, against Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State. On Thursday, the Bisons got back in the win column by defeating Queens on their home floor, 66-60. Lipscomb is 11-1 at Allen Arena this season, with their only loss coming in overtime against Stetson.

“Lipscomb was different when they were here cause Coach Acuff wasn’t here,” said Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay of his team’s first meeting with Lipscomb earlier this season. “I’m sure he was on their players’ hearts. He’s a terrific man and a phenomenal coach. I know what the KenPom says, but you have to show up and play the game. We have great respect for the teams and the coaches in this league.”

Here’s everything you need to know for Saturday’s matchup:

How to Watch – Liberty Flames (17-5, 8-1) vs Lipscomb (14-10, 6-5)

  • Date: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023
  • Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Online Streaming: Watch ESPN
  • Radio (Lynchburg): LFSN Radio (107.5 FM)

Odds and Statistics

  • KenPom currently gives Liberty a 74 percent chance to win the game with a predicted score of 71-64.
  • ESPN’s Basketball Power Index currently gives Liberty an 82 percent chance to win the game.

Previous Matchup

  • Liberty leads the all-time series, 8-5.
  • The Flames defeated Lipscomb, 77-48, on Jan. 2 at Liberty Arena.
  • Liberty was 12 of 27 from three with four players in double figures in the win – Darius McGhee (19), Brody Peebles (15), Kyle Rode (13), Shiloh Robinson (10).

Probable Starters

Stat Leaders (2022 Season)

Liberty:

  • Points: Darius McGhee – 20.9 PPG
  • Rebounds: Joseph Venzant – 5.3 RPG
  • Assists: Colin Porter – 4.3 APG

Ritchie McKay Press Conference Pre-Lipscomb