Seniors victorious
With teammates’ help, the seniors finish with a win
When the buzzer reached zero, a celebration erupted in the Vines Center. The Liberty men’s basketball team defeated Campbell 49-41 and clinched the fifth seed in the Big South tournament. However, the win was sweeter for four seniors.
Recognition — Jesse Sanders was one of six seniors who were recognized Saturday for their contribution to Flames sports. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby
With John Brown sidelined, guards David Minaya, Jesse Sanders and forward Tanner Hoyt played their final home game at Liberty. But although the game was dressed for the seniors, it was forward junior Antwan Burrus, junior guard Tavares Speaks and sophomore guard John Caleb Sanders who led the way.
Combined, the trio of Burrus, Speaks and John Caleb Sanders accounted for 43 of Liberty’s 49 points. In an off shooting night, Jesse Sanders and Minaya tallied three points combined, but it was enough for the victory.
“It took a lot of heart,” head coach Dale Layer said. “That was the best defense effort I’ve seen all year. Defensively, we have progressed to the point that it’s a factor.”
Life on the outside
With 9:31 left in the first half, John Caleb Sanders hit his second straight three for Liberty to take a 13-10 lead. From that point forward, the Flames never relinquished that lead. The Flames were 7-17 from beyond the arc.
John Caleb Sanders hit two more threes in the second half and finished with 14 points. Speaks also hit two threes in the second half with one coming with 1:01 left in the game, which gave the Flames a 45-41 lead.
“It was huge, bigger than monumental,” Layer said. “We probably wouldn’t have won if (Speaks) didn’t hit that shot. He is a good shooter when he is in rhythm and has confidence. It was a big shot at a big moment.”
Stealing the show
It was a remarkable night for Burrus. In the first half, Burrus led all scorers with 11 points. He also had seven rebounds and three blocks. Burrus continued to dominate in the second half scoring nine more points, adding three blocks and five rebounds to his total. For the night Burrus finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks.
“Antwan started killing inside.” John Caleb Sanders said. “He had 20 (points) and in the first half he had 11 (points), so they started packing in on him which gave us some open looks on the outside.”
A stifling defense
The Campbell Camels only shot 29 percent total for the game.
Darren White averaged 16 points per game but finished 6-19 from the floor. The Camels made 18 field goals, but a pair of threes from guard Lorne Merthie kept it close.
“I thought Tavares did a good job guarding (White). He never let him get in rhythm, our defense was probably the best of the year,” Layer said.
The Flames also had five steals, three by John Caleb Sanders who sealed the victory with a breakaway lay-in with 15 seconds remaining.
The Flames have won nine of 13 games including five Big South wins. After sitting in last place 50 days ago, the Flames received a first round bye and face Charleston Southern in the quarterfinals of the Big South Tournament.
“I don’t know what to envision anymore,” Layer said. “I just say let’s have a good day. I’m so thankful that the Lord allowed us to experience this because our guys deserve it.”