HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – March 15, 2025 – In a decisive matchup at Propst Arena, the Liberty Flames clinched their inaugural Conference USA (CUSA) championship by defeating the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 79-67. This victory not only marked a significant milestone for Liberty but also secured their automatic berth in the upcoming NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Game Highlights:
- Shooting Prowess: The Flames showcased exceptional accuracy, converting 60% of their field goal attempts and an impressive 60% from beyond the arc.
- Balanced Offense: Liberty’s offensive strategy was well-distributed, with multiple players contributing significantly to the scoreboard.
- Defensive Resilience: The Flames’ defense effectively limited Jacksonville State’s leading scorer, Jaron Pierre Jr., who had averaged 21.6 points per game this season.
Key Performances:
- Taelon Peter (Liberty): The junior guard led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 8-of-12 from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range.
- Zach Cleveland (Liberty): The versatile forward contributed a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, alongside 7 assists, underscoring his all-around impact.
- Jaron Pierre Jr. (Jacksonville State): Despite a challenging night, Pierre Jr. managed to score 18 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting 6-of-17 from the field.
First Half:
The opening half was tightly contested, featuring three ties and multiple lead changes. Liberty’s sharp perimeter shooting, however, began to create separation. By halftime, the Flames held a 38-31 advantage, bolstered by a late 10-2 run.
Second Half:
Jacksonville State attempted a comeback early in the second half, narrowing the deficit to four points. Liberty’s defense, however, intensified, forcing crucial turnovers and maintaining their shooting efficiency. The Flames extended their lead to double digits midway through the half and sustained that margin until the final buzzer.
Coaches’ Remarks:
- Ritchie McKay (Liberty Head Coach): “I’m incredibly proud of our guys. They executed the game plan flawlessly and showed tremendous heart. This championship is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”
- Ray Harper (Jacksonville State Head Coach): “Credit to Liberty; they played a phenomenal game. While this loss is tough, I’m proud of our team’s effort this season. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Season Overview:
- Liberty Flames: The Flames concluded the season with a 28-6 record, including a 13-5 mark in conference play. Their journey to the championship included victories over Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee.
- Jacksonville State Gamecocks: The Gamecocks finished with a 22-12 record, 12-6 in conference action. Their tournament run featured wins against UTEP and Louisiana Tech before falling to Liberty in the final.
NCAA Tournament Implications:
With this victory, Liberty secures an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Jacksonville State, despite the loss, remains hopeful for an at-large bid, given their strong season performance.
Looking Ahead:
Both teams will await the NCAA Selection Committee’s decisions to determine their tournament placements. The Flames aim to carry their momentum forward, while the Gamecocks hope for an opportunity to showcase their resilience on the national stage.
