Liberty Basketball: Flames Soar High with New Mexico Clash

Right now, the Liberty Flames are on fire. Their winning streak is a hot topic in college basketball circles. As they prepare to face the New Mexico State Aggies, all eyes are on how this matchup will unfold. Liberty basketball has been a force to reckon with, and tonight’s game is no exception.

The Liberty Flames are riding a seven-game winning streak, with five of those victories coming in Conference USA play. Their latest win against Sam Houston was a testament to their resilience and skill. Zach Cleveland led the charge with 23 points, while Brett Decker Jr. contributed 16 points. Liberty’s ability to execute in crunch time has been a key factor in their success.

The Aggies, on the other hand, have had a rocky start in league play. With a 2-3 record, they’ve shown moments of brilliance but have struggled to maintain consistency. Their defense, however, has been a bright spot, holding opponents to just 45% shooting from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. But can they keep up with the Flames’ offensive firepower?

New Mexico State vs. Liberty: Predictions, Picks, Odds for Thursday, January 15

The Liberty Flames are favored by 8.5 points with a moneyline of -425. The total is set at 142.5 points. Liberty’s offensive efficiency is ranked 69th in Ken Pom’s metrics, making them the best in the league by a significant margin. Their methodical pace and ability to shoot from long range make them a formidable opponent.

For more background, check out the Liberty basketball Wikipedia page.

• Liberty’s Offensive Efficiency: Ranked 69th in Ken Pom’s metrics, Liberty’s offensive efficiency is the best in Conference USA.
• Defensive Struggles: Liberty’s defense can be a struggle at times, ranked 147th in Ken Pom’s defensive efficiency.
• Aggies’ Defensive Strengths: New Mexico State’s defense holds opponents to 45% shooting from the field and 30% from beyond the arc.
• Key Players: Zach Cleveland and Brett Decker Jr. have been instrumental in Liberty’s recent success.

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Liberty’s ability to shoot from long range is a significant advantage. They connect on 39% of their three-point attempts, which ranks 18th nationally. Their methodical pace and ball movement make them a tough team to defend against. The Flames’ shooting trio of Brett Decker Jr., Kaden Metheny, and Colin Porter all shoot close to 40% from deep, with Decker shooting an impressive 50%.

The Aggies’ offense can be unpredictable. They rely heavily on Jemel Jones and Elijah Elliott, who tend to settle for outside shots. However, their dominance on the offensive glass could be a game-changer. Julius Mims and Cyr Malonga tower over Liberty’s lineup and could secure crucial rebounds.

Liberty’s defense, while not their strongest suit, uses a pack-line defense to keep opponents out of the lane. However, their lack of shot-blocking and rebounding could be exploited by the Aggies. Liberty’s defensive efficiency is ranked 147th in Ken Pom’s metrics, which could be a concern against a physical team like New Mexico State.

Aggies Head East to Face Liberty

The Aggies will need to limit Liberty’s three-point shooting to have a chance. In their two road league losses, New Mexico State surrendered 89 points to FIU and Missouri State, with both teams shooting better than 40% from deep. Limiting Liberty to below that mark from downtown will be pivotal.

The Flames’ methodical pace and ball movement make them a tough team to defend against. Their ability to find good looks from deep and connect on 39% of their three-point attempts makes them a significant threat. The Aggies’ defense will need to be at its best to contain Liberty’s offensive firepower.

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The Aggies’ offense can be an adventure. They tend to get stuck in the hands of Jemel Jones and Elijah Elliott, disrupting offensive flow. Jones is the engine for New Mexico State, leading the team with 15 points per game. Elliott is a bench gunner, averaging 9.4 points per game while shooting just 38% from the field.

Final verdict: Lay the 8.5 points with Liberty. Nothing that New Mexico State has done in league play has me convinced that it can hang with a team like Liberty. The Flames’ shooting ability and methodical pace will likely bury the Aggies. Expect Liberty to continue their winning ways and cover the spread.