Men’s Basketball Opens Nov. 11

Liberty men’s basketball opens its season this week against non-NCAA opponent Regent University. 

Thursday’s opener will mark the first time the Liberty Arena has been open to full capacity for men’s basketball; the last game without capacity restrictions was the ASUN championship vs. Lipscomb in the Vines Center in 2019 where the Flames exploded for a 73-57 win. 

The Flames have won the last three ASUN tournaments and appeared in the NCAA tournament twice in that time frame (they did not go in 2020 due to COVID-19 canceling the whole tournament).

Going into the season, there is plenty of optimism for the Flames to repeat. The Flames lost two of their starters, but strong bench pieces will be able to fill in and take on larger roles within the team. 

Several new teams are in the conference including Eastern Kentucky University, Jacksonville State and the University of Central Arkansas. 

Eastern Kentucky are expected to compete with Liberty to be best team in the ASUN. Jacksonville State is also quality addition to the conference and are expected to compete. 

Liberty tips off against Regent Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Liberty Arena. 

Randle is the sports editor. Follow him on Twitter.