Liberty University
19-5
NJIT
18-6
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJIT | 28 | 29 | 57 |
| Liberty | 40 | 37 | 77 |
Back to Winning Ways: Liberty Defeats NJIT
2/2/2019 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Liberty got back to its winning ways as they defeated NJIT 77-57 at the Vines Center on Saturday evening. With the win, the Flames improve to 19-5 overall and 8-1 in conference, while NJIT falls to 18-6 overall and 6-3 in the ASUN.
Turning Point
After shooting 38 percent in the first half against Lipscomb, Liberty turned the corner against NJIT, shooting 57 percent. Caleb Homesley (12 points) and Scottie James (11 points) combined to score 23 of Liberty's 40 points in the first 20 minutes, allowing Liberty to open up a 12-point halftime lead (40-28). The Flames were stingy on defense all night, holding NJIT to just 38 percent (21-55) from the field. Liberty had a balanced scoring attack with four players in double-figures, led by Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz with 18 points.
Key Stats & Notes
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Scottie James posted his 17th career double-double with 16 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
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Caleb Homesley flirted with a double-double, scoring 17 points to go along with eight rebounds.
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Liberty made its first five field goals of the game.
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Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz tied his season high in points (18), scoring 11 points in the second half.
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NJIT's Zach Cooks went into the game leading the ASUN in scoring, averaging 18.7 points per game. Liberty held him to three points, which was a season low.
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Liberty outscored NJIT 32-16 inside the paint.
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Liberty held NJIT to just two fast break points.
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For the fourth time this season, Liberty shot over 45 percent from three-point range, shooting 45.8 percent against the Highlanders.
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Liberty dished out 15 assists while committing just eight turnovers.
Thoughts from Coach McKay
"When you lost to Lipscomb like the way we did, it can feel like two losses. You could feel the deflation, so I mean it when I say it that I think tonight was a really mature win. I was so elated for our guys because they earned it, and they did it the hard way. NJIT is really good, and they were 18-5 for a reason. We had to earn this one tonight. I am really proud of our collective effort."
Up Next
The Flames will continue their homestand as they host Stetson on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Vines Center and can be seen on ESPN+.
