The Govs in action in a bracketbusters game versus the Liberty Flames on Saturday, Feb. 23. The Govs were trying to comeback strong after the loss the suffered at Eastern Kentucky.
This was the first ever meeting between the two schools. The Govs jumped on the Flames early, gaining a 10-point lead. Around the seven-minute mark Liberty would pull down the Governor lead to three, capitalizing on missed shots by the Govs and stellar defensive rebounding. The Govs kept them at a distance with above average three point shooting. Â
The Govs ball handing was impressive to say the least in the first half forcing the Flames to leave someone open down low and the Govs took advantage. The Govs separated themselves enough to get comfortable 39-31 lead at halftime.
The second half started off slow for the Governors, they did not make a basket for almost six minutes and it opened the door for Liberty to creep back into the game and tie the game and eventually take their first lead of the game.
The game turned in the Flames’ favor after a lead-grabbing three gave them a spark that had the Govs fighting uphill for almost the rest of the second half. The Govs managed to keep close due to leading scorer Anthony Campbell and Travis Betran.
The Govs found themselves down 62-65 with 0:26 left and one of Campbell’s seven assists to Travis Betran in three point land pushed the game into overtime.
This would be the Govs fifth overtime game and they had a 1-3 record in extra time. In overtime, the Govs had a tough time getting going and the Flames’ eight straight made free throws is what put a fork in the Govs, final score 73-79.