Rebounding in fashion
Lady Flames return to Big South mastery with dominant win over Campbell
The Lady Flames basketball team (13-6, 8-1) bounced back from its first conference loss of the season with an impressive 64-40 win over the Campbell Camels (11-7, 6-3) Jan. 24, making history in the process.
SURVEY — Guard Sadalia Ellis looks for an open teammate. Photo credit: Leah Seavers
Liberty has dominated in Big South Conference (BSC) play this season, but suffered a tough 58-63 road loss against the Winthrop Eagles. They shot only 29 percent during the Jan. 20 contest, and Head Coach Carey Green was happy to see an improvement Saturday afternoon.
“Our focus in the last two or three days … was to focus on our defense,” Green said. “I felt like for the most part tonight, we were right on and … were well focused on our defensive effort.”
The Lady Flames struggled during the first half, committing 11 turnovers and giving up points in transition. Green emphasized the importance of keeping players fresh and utilizing the bench early. Despite the slow start, they went into the half up 28-21 over the Camels.
Liberty was able to dominate in the second half, following an improved rebounding performance and more settled play.
“We just tried to be patient with the ball,” redshirt senior Karly Buer said. “It seems like all of our turnovers were pretty quick in the offensive transition of the game, so just kind of be patient, let the play run its course and work the shot clock a little bit.”
Buer, a Missouri State transfer, hit an impressive milestone during Saturday’s victory, surpassing 1,000 career points. The accomplishment was exciting for the graduate student, but she was sure to give her teammates credit for their help and support.
“It feels pretty good, to be honest with you, but all of the credit goes to my teammates,” Buer said. “I wouldn’t have had one single point without them.”
Buer was not the only Lady Flame putting on a show. Redshirt junior Ashley Rininger had an impressive game of her own, scoring 27 points on record-setting 13-14 (92.9 percent) shooting, according to libertyflames.com. Rininger posted a double-double, also snagging 10 rebounds in her efforts.
“It felt great to just actually be able to go out there and just play, to not have to worry about anything,” Rininger said. “I just felt really loose and I could just play my game.”
Rininger was a big part of the Lady Flames, notching 34 of their 64 points in the paint.
“We had outstanding post play today, starting with Ashley Rininger,” Green said. “Post play was exceptional today, not only her, but all of the post players did a good job there.”
Liberty returns to the Vines Center to face the UNC-Asheville Bulldogs (5-14) today at 7 p.m.
CARTER is a sports reporter.