The Liberty Flames (15-5, 6-1) and North Florida Ospreys (8-11, 3-4) will meet Saturday afternoon in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Flames will look for another big win on the road Saturday afternoon in Jacksonville. Coming off Thursday night’s win at Jacksonville that ended the Dolphins’ 21 game home win streak, Liberty will now attempt to achieve some more history as the Flames have never beaten the Ospreys at UNF Arena.

As is typical, North Florida once again played a very challenging non-conference schedule that included games against Washington, Gonzaga, Kentucky, Houston, and Pitt. This led to a 5-7 record entering ASUN play. The Ospreys ended a three-game losing streak Thursday night by defeating Queens, 95-90.

Forward Carter Hendricksen leads North Florida in scoring (15.6 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg) so far this season. He is one of three players averaging double figures, joined by guard Jarius Hicklen who is averaging 12.8 points per game and guard Jose Placer who averages 12.7 points per game.

“The differentiation in the opponents in the ASUN is dramatic,” said Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay following his team’s win at Jacksonville on Thursday and as he turns his attention to North Florida. “Way different style (than Jacksonville). Coach Driscoll has got a really good system. We will see if our assistant coaches do a great job in our scout and our prep. We will need to turn the page quickly because in 36 hours we will play a way different offense.”

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

How to Watch – Liberty Flames (15-5, 6-1) vs Jacksonville (8-11, 3-4)

  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023
  • Start Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Online Streaming: Watch ESPN
  • Radio (Lynchburg): LFSN Radio (107.5 FM)

Odds and Statistics

  • KenPom currently gives Liberty a 83 percent chance to win the game with a predicted score of 77-66.
  • ESPN’s Basketball Power Index currently gives Liberty a 87.4 percent chance to win the game.

Previous Matchup

  • Liberty leads the all-time series, 6-4.
  • The two teams split last year’s series with each team winning on their home floor. The Ospreys defeated the Flames at UNF Arena last February 15, 72-69.
  • Darius McGhee’s 28 points weren’t enough as Jarius Hicklen’s 31 points paced the Ospreys in the win.

Probable Starters

Stat Leaders (2022 Season)

Liberty:

  • Points: Darius McGhee – 21.6 PPG
  • Rebounds: Joseph Venzant – 5.0 RPG
  • Assists: Kyle Rode – 4.2 APG

Ritchie McKay Press Conference Pre-North Florida