FREE THROWS AND REBOUNDING LIFT LIBERTY OVER RADFORD, 67-65

BOX SCORE

RADFORD, Va. – Liberty hit 22-of-26 free throws, including six straight in the final minute to hold off Radford, 67-65, in Big South men's basketball action Saturday afternoon at the Dedmon Center.

In two games against the Highlanders this season, Liberty (8-15, 3-8 Big South) has converted 52 of its 62 tries at the charity stripe.

Along with their performance at the line, the Flames held a commanding 38-28 advantage on the glass, including 12 on the offensive end.

Javonte Green led Radford (4-20, 1-11 Big South) with 20 points and eight rebounds, while going 9-of-13 from the floor, before fouling out with 2:51 left. Fellow freshman R.J. Price contributed 16 points, including four 3-pointers to go along with five rebounds and six assists.

Antwan Burruss and David Minaya paced four Flames in double figures with 15 points each, while Jesse Sanders added 11 and Tavares Speaks had 10.

After Radford pushed its lead back to nine early in the second half, Liberty, which opened the period 8-of-12, responded with an 18-5 run to take a 42-38 advantage at the 13:50 mark.

A Green 3-point play tied the game, 42-42, but the Flames scored five straight to take the lead for good. The Highlanders weren't able to get closer than one the rest of the way, including a long jumper by Blake Smith that made it, 61-60, with 1:40 remaining.

Radford finished the contest shooting 44.6 percent (25-56), while Liberty shot just 41.5 percent (22-53).

In addition to holding Liberty without a bucket for almost eight minutes, the Highlanders used a 10-2 spurt to go up nine, 20-11, before heading to the break up, 29-24.

Green led all players at intermission with 11 points and seven rebounds.

Radford will conclude its three-game homestand Thursday evening with a 7 p.m. tip against Winthrop.

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