Liberty vs. NC Central: Flames Look to Continue Building Chemistry Against LeVelle Moton’s Eagles

Liberty returns to the court Friday night for its only game of the week, hosting North Carolina Central at Liberty Arena. The Flames are looking to build on their 113-54 win over Boyce after opening the season with a loss to High Point in the Field of 68 Showcase.

With nine newcomers on this year’s roster, Liberty is still working through the process of establishing roles, building chemistry, and figuring out how its pieces fit together. Friday provides another opportunity to make progress, but the Flames will face a team that has already been tested by a challenging early-season schedule and is led by one of the more accomplished coaches in the MEAC.

Game Information

Opponent Overview: NC Central

North Carolina Central enters Friday’s matchup with an 0-3 record, having opened the season with three road games against Georgia, Longwood, and VMI. The Eagles fell 78-62 to Georgia in their season opener before dropping an 80-75 overtime decision at Longwood on Nov. 7. The Longwood game was a particularly tough result for NC Central. The Eagles had an opportunity to win in regulation but couldn’t finish the job, eventually falling in overtime. Darius Kane and Tyler Mason combined for 42 points in the loss. On Wednesday, NC Central lost to the VMI Keydets, 65-51. Duor Duor had 10 points and 6 rebounds in the loss while Trey Brown added 10 points.

The Eagles are also navigating a significant roster overhaul. Head coach LeVelle Moton brought in 14 newcomers this season, with senior guard Ryan Archey the lone returning player. Moton emphasized adding size throughout the roster, saying the group averages approximately 6-foot-5.

The Biggest Matchup: Liberty’s Size and Chemistry Against a Rebuilt Eagles Roster

This game presents an interesting challenge for Liberty. The Flames are trying to establish chemistry with nine newcomers, while NC Central is doing the same with an even larger roster turnover. The Eagles have shown some offensive potential through their first two games, particularly with Kane and Mason. Liberty will need to make sure those players don’t get comfortable, while also taking advantage of the experience and continuity it can develop as the season progresses. The biggest area to watch may be the frontcourt. Moton specifically targeted positional size during the offseason, and NC Central has several players capable of making an impact around the basket. Liberty needs to control the glass and prevent the Eagles from generating second-chance opportunities.

Meanwhile, Liberty will continue to try and navigate its way through two serious injuries, losing both Sean Register, Jr. and Dillon Claussen for the remainder of the season. Claussen started the team’s season opener against High Point, playing 33 minutes and recording 6 blocks. Register, a JUCO transfer, was also expected to be a team starter before he went down to injury in the off-season. Liberty is also without forward Osmar Garcia-Araujo who missed the Boyce game after starting alongside Claussen against High Point. Osmar is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with an undisclosed injury.

RJ Jones will certainly be tasked with a larger role moving forward in their absence. Head coach Ritchie McKay and the Flames will be looking for someone else in the frontcourt to step forward. Names to watch include returning sophomores Drew Grimes and TJ Drain, as well as true freshman Reece Davidson.

Three Keys for Liberty

1. Control the Glass

NC Central made adding size a priority during the offseason, and the Eagles have multiple players who can contribute on the boards. Liberty needs to establish itself physically and limit second-chance opportunities.

2. Make NC Central’s Newcomers Work

The Eagles are still figuring out how their 14 newcomers fit together. Liberty should use its defensive pressure to disrupt their offensive rhythm, force difficult decisions, and make NC Central execute in the half court.

3. Continue Building Offensive Chemistry

The 113-point performance against Boyce was a positive step, but Liberty’s focus should remain on getting better offensively. The Flames have several new pieces who are still learning one another’s tendencies. Better ball movement, improved spacing, and consistency from possession to possession will be important as the schedule gets more challenging, as the Flames play just its second Division I team this season.

Players to Watch

Darius Kane, Guard

Kane has been one of NC Central’s most productive players through the first three games, averaging 11.3 points and 5.3 assists per contest. The junior scored 16 points against Longwood and gives the Eagles a guard who can both create his own offense and get teammates involved. Liberty will need to make him work for his opportunities without allowing him to control the game as a facilitator.

Cristian Sanon, Guard

Sanon is averaging 9.0 points per game and has already shown a willingness to shoot from the perimeter. The 6-foot-6 senior is averaging 7.3 three-point attempts per game through the first three contests, making him a player Liberty must account for beyond the arc. If he gets comfortable, he can provide the Eagles with an important scoring option.

Tyler Mason, Forward

Mason gives NC Central a significant presence in the frontcourt. The 6-foot-10 junior is averaging 10.3 points and five rebounds per game while shooting 54.2% from the field. He scored 15 points against Longwood and will test Liberty’s ability to defend size around the basket.

Series History

Liberty and NC Central have met just once previously, with the Flames claiming a 79-63 victory on Nov. 14, 2022. Friday’s contest marks the second meeting between the programs.

Prediction

Liberty should have the advantage at home, particularly with the opportunity to continue developing its rotation and offensive identity against an NC Central team still learning to play together. The Eagles have some capable individual pieces, and Moton has a track record of building competitive teams. However, Liberty’s size, depth, and ability to create turnovers should help the Flames control the game. The most important thing for Liberty is to continue taking steps forward. The Flames don’t need to prove everything in November, but they do need to become a more cohesive team each time they take the floor.