Liberty Holds Off New Mexico State 72-71 After Aggies Erase 17-Point Deficit
A late defensive stand capped by a final free throw preserved the Flames’ unbeaten Conference USA start.
Overview
- New Mexico State outscored Liberty 42-27 after halftime, drawing level at 60-60 with 7:46 remaining before falling by one.
- The final moments included an inbounds alley-oop try ruled a foul before a shot on Julius Mims, a missed Jemel Jones three, and Josh Smith hitting 1 of 2 free throws with one second left.
- Liberty improved to 14-3 overall and 6-0 in C-USA, while the Aggies fell to 9-6 and 2-3 and stayed winless in true road games.
- Brett Decker Jr. and JJ Harper led Liberty with 17 points apiece, Zach Cleveland added 11 points and seven assists, and Smith provided 14 off the bench.
- The combined score reached 143 to clear the 142.5 total after sportsbooks favored Liberty by 9.5, and NM State played without starting center Cyr Malonga.