UPDATE: Liberty, Virginia Tech raise $36K for hurricane relief efforts

Liberty University and Virginia Tech raised more than $36,000 as the two basketball programs came together for a Hurricane Relief Exhibition Game at the Vines Center in Lynchburg on Sunday night in front of a crowd of 4,210.

After leading at halftime, Liberty fell to the Hokies 86-70 in its final exhibition game before regular season play.

The money will be distributed by LU Send Now — the university’s disaster relief initiative — to affected individuals, churches, and communities in Florida impacted by Hurricane Michael. A relief team left Monday for Wewahitchka, Fla., to assist with clean-up efforts near some of the hardest hit areas, including Mexico Beach and Panama City.

Last month, LU Send Now sent a small chaplaincy team to Albany, Ga., with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to minister to hurricane victims.

This is the second preseason in a row the Liberty men’s basketball team has participated in an exhibition game to raise awareness and funds for hurricane relief. Last November, the Flames traveled to Richmond, Va., to play Virginia Commonwealth University in an exhibition game to raise money for relief efforts in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

The Flames will now begin their 2018-19 regular season schedule, starting at home on Nov. 8 against Maine Fort Kent. The game will be televised on ESPN+ with tip-off set for 7 p.m. at the Vines Center.

Men’s basketball to host Virginia Tech Sunday in support of hurricane relief

11/2/2018

For the second preseason in a row, Liberty University’s men’s basketball team will participate in an exhibition game to raise awareness and funds for hurricane relief efforts. The Flames make their 2018-19 debut Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Vines Center against ACC member Virginia Tech.

“This is a chance for us to make some dark days bright, and we cannot thank Virginia Tech enough for partnering with us … to help bring some hope to those affected by the recent hurricanes,” Liberty Head Coach Ritchie McKay said. “This is a fabulous cause to take part in and a great opportunity to play a quality program like Virginia Tech in front of our fans.”

General admission tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students. All gate receipts will be channeled through LU Send Now to support affected individuals, churches, and community humanitarian relief efforts in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Doors open at 2 p.m. and advance tickets can be purchased online or by calling (434) 582-SEAT (7328).

“It is an honor to be able to participate in this meaningful event,” Virginia Tech Head Coach Buzz Williams said. “Coach McKay and the Liberty University community have done a great job in helping those in need, and I am glad we are able to contribute, as well.”

Last November, the Flames traveled to Richmond, Va., to play VCU in an exhibition game to raise money for relief efforts in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

Donations to support the relief effort can also be made online.