Liberty University
12-4, 1-0ASUN
Florida Gulf Coast
5-11, 0-1ASUN
Liberty Opens up ASUN Play with a Win at FGCU
1/5/2019 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Liberty went on the road to play its first-ever ASUN Conference game against the defending regular season champion, Florida Gulf Coast. The Flames got hot on offense in the second half to defeat the Eagles 81-63 for the Flames' first-ever win in the ASUN. Liberty improves to 12-4 while FGCU drops to 5-11.
Turning Point
Liberty couldn't have asked for a better start to the game, going on a 12-2 run in the first four minutes of the game. Florida Gulf Coast countered with a 12-2 run to get back into the game in the first half. After going into halftime with a six-point lead (36-30), the Flames picked up their offensive attack, shooting 69 percent (18-26) in the second half, including 67 percent (8-12) from three-point range. Florida Gulf Coast cut Liberty's lead to two points (46-44) with 15:19 left in the game, and Liberty responded with a 17-6 run (63-50) over the course of the following four-and-a-half minutes to extend its lead and come away with the win.
Key Stats & Notes
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Liberty is off to its best start since 1991.
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Liberty's 18-point win was FGCU's worst home loss since Dec. 19, 2017 (Lost by 19 vs. Oral Roberts).
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The Flames never trailed in the game and led for 39:40 of the game's 40 minutes.
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Liberty shot 57 percent (31-54) for the game with five players in double figures.
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Darius McGhee made a career-high six three-pointers to lead the Flames with 18 points.
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Lovell Cabbil Jr. filled the stat sheet with 10 points, four rebounds and a season-high six assists.
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Liberty started the game on a 7-0 run.
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Scottie James moved to No. 18 on Liberty's all-time rebounding list with 471 career rebounds after posting eight rebounds.
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Liberty's bench outscored FGCU's bench 29-9, led by McGhee's 18 points.
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Liberty forced FGCU to commit 14 turnovers, which the Flames converted into 21 points. Florida Gulf Coast only scored two points off Liberty turnovers.
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Liberty outrebounded FGCU 27-23.
Thoughts from Coach McKay
"Our guys imposed their will midway through the second half. Florida Gulf Coast is a really good team, and it is hard to come in and win at Alico Arena so this is a good start for us in a new league. We had a great crowd for us. Shoutout to the women's swimming & diving team and our women's basketball team. We can't thank their coaches enough and Erin Hagen for staying and supporting us. We had a lot of friends and family in the stands tonight wearing the red and white."
Up Next
The Flames will end their six-game road trip on Wednesday, January 9th, when they travel to face Stetson. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+.
