Liberty Flames Outlast FIU in Thrilling Overtime Showdown
In an electrifying game held in Miami, the Liberty Flames triumphed over the Florida International Panthers with a nail-biting 97-94 victory, marking an impressive start to their Conference USA campaign.
Stellar Performance by Brett Decker Jr.
Brett Decker Jr. emerged as the standout player of the match, contributing a remarkable 27 points. His dynamic shooting performance included 9 of 18 from the field, showing exceptional range with 5 of 11 from beyond the arc. Decker also demonstrated his reliability at the charity stripe, going a perfect 4 for 4. His efforts were crucial in helping Liberty overcome a challenging FIU team during the high-stakes opener.
Kaden Metheny’s Overtime Heroics
Adding to the excitement was Kaden Metheny, who proved pivotal both in regulation and overtime. Metheny scored 25 points, including 7 critical points in the overtime period, executing flawless shots by going 2 for 2 from the field. In addition to his scoring, he also contributed six assists and three steals, exemplifying his all-around impact on the game.
Team Contributions
In addition to Decker and Metheny, Colin Porter provided solid support, finishing the game with 16 points. His performance included 5 of 12 shooting from the field and an impressive 4 for 10 from three-point territory. This collaboration among the players highlighted Liberty’s depth and collective effort, which ultimately led to their success in this tightly contested match.
FIU’s Strong Counterattack
On the opposing side, Eric Dibami led the Panthers with an impressive 21 points and secured nine rebounds, showcasing his capability on both ends of the court. Corey Stephenson also made significant contributions, accumulating 17 points along with 11 rebounds, while Larry Olayinka netted 16 points and grabbed six rebounds. Their collective efforts kept FIU competitive, particularly in the first half, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game saw multiple lead changes and moments that could have swung the outcome. Metheny’s ability to score critical points in the second half, including 13 points total, was central to Liberty’s comeback. Notably, Josh Smith hit a game-tying layup with just eight seconds left in regulation, bringing the score to 82-all and forcing overtime.
Overtime Finish
In overtime, Liberty maintained their momentum. Metheny’s cool demeanor under pressure allowed him to capitalize on scoring opportunities effectively. His contribution, alongside Decker’s steady scoring, ensured Liberty outpaced FIU to secure the hard-fought victory.
This victory not only marks a significant win for the Liberty Flames but also sets a thrilling tone for their season in Conference USA. As both teams look to build on this experience, fans can anticipate more exciting matchups in the coming weeks.