[Nate-FlamesFan]

Just adding the topic since nobody else did. Any thoughts on that game? I was impressed, they shellacked Charleston as badly as we did and our Flames still put them away nicely.

[ECC29]

Very good game. This team is showing that they can compete at a higher level. The threes were falling in in this game. They were raining threes. I believe was the difference maker to help win this game. What if the threes are not going in? What else can this team do? The team’s post players were not really doing much in offense. They had some problems against the FAU’s post players.

[LU Armchair coach]

If you watched either game on Friday or Sunday, you probably noticed Liberty only played a true post for about four total minutes. That’s a clear indicator of how the staff wanted to stretch the floor and create space.

Looking at the numbers, in the CofC game we went 18-of-30 on twos — and most of those were finishes at the rim. Against FAU, we actually improved on that by one. So in both games, we made more twos than threes, which tells you the offense is doing a great job generating high-percentage looks inside, even without a traditional post presence.

[ECC29]

Oh I get what you are saying. You are correct in those stats. Those finishes at the rim was because the offense was spread out. Also, because the threes were going in, therefore, FAU defense had to go out to defend the threes, which opened the floor for more finishes. But my point is, what if the threes are not falling in and the opposing defense does not have to go out too far for the threes. Can the post players score against the opposing big men? This is my only concern.

[LU Armchair coach]

This LU team is built different than last year. Most of the time, you’ll only see one guy on the floor who I wouldn’t call a “shooter.” That means opponents have to guard the 3 at all times — no hiding defenders in the lane this year.

Our little guards and even Decker — who’s considered small compared to the bigger programs — keep the floor spread and the ball moving. Honestly, with HCRM’s 15-man roster, I don’t think you can say we have a true “big.” Jones, Ihnen, and Smith can all pick and pop, which keeps defenses honest.

Point is, this isn’t your typical post-up, pound-it-inside team. It’s spacing, movement, and shooting — that’s Liberty basketball right now. Doesn’t mean we’ll hit mid-40% from deep every night, but the offense is designed to make you guard everywhere.

– LU Armchair Coach

[ECC29]

I agree. Hopefully it works throughout the year. This is probably the best team I have seen so far. This will be an exciting year. I can’t wait for the game against NCST. That’s the true test

[LU Armchair coach]

Hearing an injury to key player and will miss the game on Monday!

[olldflame]

Hearing an injury to key player and will miss the game on Monday!

Sounds like "load management".

[LU Armchair coach]

Don’t think so! It’s an injury!!

[olldflame]

Don’t think so! It’s an injury!!

"Hurt" or " Injured"?

There is supposedly a difference, but IMHO it's not black and white and is often dependant on situation.

The question I would ask is "would this player sit if it were a key conference game"?

[olldflame]

Porter was the player who sat out. Ritchie said in pregame interview that it was "lower body" and he had not practiced to let it heal (sounds like an ankle). He also said he probably would have played if it was a C-USA game.

Solid TCB 50 point win against an overmatched opponent, despite going 0-8 from 3 to start the game. Then Yates came in and righted that ship by going 5-5. He is looking more and more like a real weapon off the bench.

Another near triple double from Cleveland.

Outstanding all-around game from Harper.

Smith started in Porter's place and played 11 solid minutes. Looks like he is ready to get into the rotation.