Fire Up The Furnace Set For Friday Night

Liberty basketball fans will get their first opportunity to check out the 2006-07 men's and women's squads Friday night at the Vines Center. Fire Up the Furnace, an event celebrating the official start of basketball practice, will tip off at 11:30 p.m.

Both teams will be introduced before competing in several contests. Among the highlights of the event's program are a three-point shootout and a slam dunk competition.

Coach Randy Dunton's Flames are optimistic entering the season. Led by electrifying scorer Larry Blair, Liberty has just over a month remaining to prepare for its Nov. 16 opener at Oklahoma against the Sooners.

Carey Green and the Lady Flames will be seeking their 11th-straight Big South title this season. The entire roster returns from last season, including first-team all-conference honoree Allyson Fasnacht. Liberty gets its season underway Nov. 11 with a home matchup against Norfolk State.