Preview: Midway at Liberty
Liberty Flies into Midweek Battle Against Underdog Midway
As Liberty University prepares to host Midway in a crucial non-conference matchup on December 16th at the Liberty Arena, the tone is set for an electrifying evening of basketball. The Flames are looking to bolster their resume with a win against a talented but undermanned opponent.
Liberty, boasting a 6-3 record, has been steadily building momentum behind the strong play of senior forward Brett Decker Jr. (18.5 PPG) and point guard Zach Cleveland (8.0 APG). The duo has formed a potent partnership on both ends of the floor, with Cleveland's ability to distribute the ball effectively complemented by Decker's scoring prowess.
The Flames' offense has been clicking at 62.6% effective field goal percentage, ranking among the top two in the country. Their defense, meanwhile, has been stout, holding opponents to just 43.2% shooting from the field. Liberty's strong rebounding efforts have also been a key factor, with senior center Zach Cleveland leading the way at 8.5 RPG.
For Midway, however, this will be their biggest test of the season. The Blue Devils are 0-3 in their last three games and come into this matchup reeling from losses to Bellarmine, E Kentucky, and Morehead St. Can they turn their fortunes around against a Liberty team that has been trending upward?
The X-factor in this game is undoubtedly home court advantage. With the Liberty Arena electric atmosphere expected to be on full display, the Flames will look to feed off the energy of their passionate fan base.
In terms of recent form, Midway's struggles have raised questions about their ability to compete against top-tier opponents. Meanwhile, Liberty has shown flashes of brilliance in wins over Coppin St and Towson, suggesting that they are more than capable of beating anyone on a given night.
As the Flames prepare to host this critical matchup, one thing is clear: the stage is set for an instant classic. Will Liberty's strong team play be enough to propel them past Midway? Or will the underdog Blue Devils pull off an upset for the ages?
With just days to go until December 16th, one thing is certain – basketball fans are in for a treat.