Liberty's historic start to its season continued Sunday at the Talking Stick Resort Arena as the Flames defeated Grand Canyon 71-60 in the Naismith Hall of Fame Jerry Colangelo Classic. Myo Baxter-Bell was named the Most Valuable Player for the game. With the victory, Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay earned his 300^th career win and became Liberty's winningest Division I coach with 135 victories.

Turning Point

Liberty and GCU went back-and-forth all throughout the first half and early in the second same, exchanging the lead. At the 9:55-mark of the second half, Liberty's defense was exceptional not allowing the Lopes to scores for six minutes, as the Flames went on a 15-0 run. Liberty's run midway through the second half would give the Flames a 63-51 lead and from then on, Liberty was able to convert enough free throws to come away with the victory.

Key Stats & Notes

• Liberty is 11-0 for the first time in school history.
• Myo Baxter-Bell was named MVP after recording 15 points, five rebounds and a steal.
• 135 wins at Liberty for coach McKay passes Jeff Meyer.
• Liberty forced 11 turnovers, which led to 16 points for the Flames.
• Liberty held GCU to just five made three-pointers for the game.
• Liberty had four players score double figures led by Caleb Homesley's 17 points.
• Elijah Cuffee scored 11 points to go along with three rebounds and a team-high four assists.
• After tonight's game, Liberty has only trailed 20 minutes and 21 seconds of the 440 minutes played.
• Liberty and GCU had seven lead changes and the game was tied 10 times.
• Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz moved to No. 27 on Liberty's all-time scoring list with 1,019 career points, passing Mike Goad.

Thoughts from Head Coach Ritchie McKay

"We are really privileged to be a part of any event that has Mr. Colangelo's name on it. I really feel like this is a first-class event; the Hall of Fame group is absolutely phenomenal and GCU is a terrific program, so it was a privilege for us to be able to compete and come out with a victory. I am sure it will help us down the road." 

Up Next

Liberty will continue its roadtrip next week when they travel to face Vanderbilt. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET and can be seen on the ESPN SEC Network+.