Liberty Flames Encounter Setback Against Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Championship
The Liberty Flames, with a record of 0-1, faced off against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, also at 0-1, in a game that ended with a final score of 67-51. The match was part of the Conference USA Championship held at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.
The Flames started off slow in the first quarter, managing only 8 points to the Blue Raiders' 7. The second quarter saw a slight improvement for Liberty with 9 points scored but Middle Tennessee surged ahead with an impressive 22 points. After halftime, the Flames showed renewed vigor scoring 16 and then finishing strong with an additional 18 points in the fourth quarter. Despite their efforts and ending on their highest-scoring quarter, it wasn't enough to close the gap created by Middle Tennessee's consistent performance throughout the game.
Liberty's shooting percentages were below their usual standard; they shot just 33 percent from field goals and struggled beyond the arc with only a 23 percent success rate for three-pointers. However, they fared better from free throw line hitting at a rate of about two-thirds (67 percent). In terms of rebounds, Liberty outperformed Middle Tennessee grabbing a total of 38 compared to their opponent's total rebound count of just under that number.
A notable aspect for Liberty was their paint presence where they scored an impressive amount totaling half as many as all other scoring combined (20 out of total team score). They also capitalized on second-chance opportunities adding another significant chunk to their score (11 second-chance points). However, turnovers were an issue for them as they gave up possession on eleven occasions which translated into only four points off turnovers.
On defense side things didn't fare much better; while they managed two blocks and one steal during entire match duration these numbers paled when compared against five blocks and five steals achieved by home team – showing room improvement defensively especially considering eighteen personal fouls committed by visiting side which resulted one player being fouled out game entirely.
Middle Tennessee showcased more efficient shooting across board making nearly half (46 percent) two-point attempts while converting seven out twenty three-point attempts giving them higher percentage than opponents this area too (35 percent). Their free throw accuracy was particularly noteworthy standing at very high eighty-two percent mark contributing significantly overall point tally alongside nine fast break points highlighting quick transitions play style adopted home team during contest itself.
As clock wound down end fourth quarter it became clear that despite valiant effort put forth by visiting team victory would remain elusive this time around leaving fans looking forward next opportunity showcase skills court once again soon future broadcasts will be sure keep everyone updated upcoming games schedule so stay tuned!