Flames Soar Over Blue Raiders with a 81-65 Victory
In a thrilling game, the Liberty Flames defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 81-65, marking their 12th consecutive win. Kaden Metheny shined with a career-high 29 points, hitting his first six three-pointers. The Flames shot an impressive 64% in the first half and finished at 61.5% for the game.
Now 18-3 for the season, Liberty holds a perfect 10-0 in Conference USA (CUSA) play and has won five straight league road games. In their last face-off, Liberty has triumphed over MTSU three times in a row.
Key Performers
Metheny wasn’t the only standout. Zach Cleveland contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists, making this his 14th game with seven or more assists this year. JJ Harper added 13 points while Brett Decker Jr. scored 12, extending his streak of double-figure games to 21.
On the Blue Raiders’ side, Torey Alston led with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Sean Smith added 19 points.
Defensive Strategy
Liberty’s defense was crucial, limiting MTSU to just 32.3% shooting in the first half, which helped build a 14-point lead by halftime. The Flames also excelled in key statistics, including points in the paint (44-26) and steals (6-3). With such a solid performance, they maintained a lead for over 36 minutes in the game.
Historical Context
This winning streak ties for the second longest in Liberty’s history, a record that dates back to their 2020-21 season. The Flames are also dominating in conference play, winning 15 consecutive games against CUSA opponents.
A Supportive Fan Base
The Flames will face Delaware next, and tickets for the upcoming CUSA Championship are available. Fans can purchase all-session ticket booklets for both men’s and women’s games, supporting their teams in the pursuit of conference titles.
Liberty’s blend of skilled shooting and tenacious defense has set them on an impressive path this season. As coach and player performances soar, the Flames are building momentum both on and off the court, showcasing a winning culture that will be hard to beat.
For more details on their season and upcoming games, you can visit Liberty Flames Athletics.
