Liberty loses its conference opener to Campbell, 53-46. Here’s our rapid reactions:
- This game is simple – put the ball in the basket more than your opponent. If you can’t score, you can’t win. 46 points won’t cut it. The Flames shot 21% from the field in the first half and 31% from the field for the game. Throw in 15 turnovers and its no surprise Liberty comes up short.
- Liberty’s defense played really well, as they have most of the season. The Flames held Campbell to 53 points and they shot just 28% from the field. Playing good defense is good and everything, but refer to point #1.
- At times Campbell played volleyball with the ball off their own backboard. The Flames could not pull down a defensive rebound to save their lives.
- Several offensive possessions for the Flames just led me to roll my eyes.
- With all that said, Liberty was down by 4 with 1 minute left to play and David Andoh going to the line for 2 FTs. He would miss both and Campbell would seal the game.
- Ethan Layer shot 1/6 from the field and 0/5 from 3 including an ill-advised 27-footer. No offense to the kid, but if he’s not knocking down shots, why is he playing?
- Joe Retic led the team with 12 points but was just 4/13 shooting from the field.
- Peter Moller added 10 points and 5 boards. He was just 3/10 shooting from the field.
- Drew Smith finished with 8 points and 12 rebounds. He’s been a monster on the glass all season. Smith did get called for a technical in the final minutes of the game, a critical mistake that a senior shouldn’t be making.
The Flames host Presbyterian on Saturday.
