Liberty University Athletics issued the following announcement on Nov. 23
Liberty got back to its winning ways, Tuesday night at the Ocean Center Arena in Daytona Beach, defeating Bethune-Cookman 59-51. Liberty improves to 2-3 this season while Bethune-Cookman falls to 1-5.
First Half
Bethune-Cookman jumped out to an early 19-12 lead just 10 minutes into the game, forcing eight turnovers during that span. Liberty was able to get back into the game as Keegan McDowell got hot, scoring 11 points in the first 12 minutes of the game. With six and a half minutes left in the half, Liberty would go on a 14-8 run to close out the half and go into the break with a 34-29 lead. McDowell ended the first half with a game-high 17 points.
Second Half
Darius McGhee caught fire to start the second half, scoring 11 points in the first eight minutes of the half, as the Flames jumped out to its largest lead (50-36) at the time with 12 minutes left in the game. Bethune-Cookman was able to cut into Liberty’s lead to single digits (57-48) with two minutes left in the game but Liberty was able to keep the Wildcats at arms distance for the win.
Key Stats & Notes
- Darius McGhee scored a game-high and season-high 27 points.
- Keegan McDowell scored 17 points.
- McDowell’s 17 first half points are the most by a Liberty player in a half since Darius McGhee scored 21 in the second half against Bellarmine on Feb. 27, 2021.
- Liberty hit a season-high 12 three-pointers.
- Liberty’s bench outscored Bethune-Cookman’s bench 21-10.
- Liberty’s 12 assists are the most against a Division I opponent this season.
“I think this was one of those games where you can let the previous games affect the way you play and I think our older guys got us out a funk when we were down 19-12 and we started being a little tougher defensively and taking care of the ball. I don’t think we finished as well as we could have but happy with the outcome.”
Up Next
Liberty will return home to close out this week’s play, as the Flames host Maryland Eastern Shore. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, at Liberty Arena.
Original source can be found here.
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