game tonight vs. Buffalo

[jcmanson]

I just looked at sone info on espn.com on the bulls, and they are 6-1 so far on the year. Their lost was to #10 Boston College 92-63. They have beaten Fresno State (who has won a couple of good games over teams in the top conferences), Canisius, Buffalo St., Jackson St., Detroit, and Niagra. I hope we play well. At least keeping the game close throughout. Hoping for a great crowd! Go Flames!

[PAmedic]

their RPI is pretty high too, higher than Winthrop I believe- but I'd have to double check that one

[PAmedic]

NOPE, I was wrong. Sorry- don't know what I was thinking. So far Buffalo is ranked #32 (by RPI), WU is #13.

Here's the link I am referring to: as of 12/5

Rnk Team                     Conf   W-L   RPI  
13 Winthrop                 BSth   3-1  .6582  

32 Buffalo                   MAC   5-1  .6355  

[PAmedic]

oh- here's our ranking (if you really wanna know)

325 Liberty                  BSth   0-3  .3122 

that would be 325th (three hundred twenty fifth) out of 332 (three hundred thirty two) teams.

assuming you believe Ken Pomeroy.

[jcmanson]

Buffalo received a vote in the AP top 25 poll for the first time in school history this week.

[Stevev]

325th out of 332. Man that really sucks that were are rated that low. That's worse than our football team.

[Realist too lazy to log in]

Blair's hot. It's basically Blair vs. Buffalo. Get the man some help.

[elicoolbreeze]

Unfortunately I did not get to hear the postgame report other than for the last two or three sentences from Coach Dunton. Watching the game from my TV it was so frustrating to see the many turnovers that Liberty gave away but the Flames did play with much more passion and defended quite well. The team is improving and will be competitive come conference time but hopefully we can pick up a win at Lipscomb this coming Saturday. I did see a few more attempts at penetrating the defense and I hope to see more of that as the season moves along. Also offensively we need for other players to be more assertive than just Larry Blair. This team needs a win on Saturday so it can build confidence.

[Sly Fox]

Work kept me from following along. Anybody have any eyewitness reports?

[LUconn]

We need someone in the middle to feed the ball to. We have nothing going offensively. Just passing around the arc for a good 15 seconds and then Blair will try to create a shot. Our Defense looks really good though. I really like the pressure we're putting on guys in the half court. We couldn't stop that Mario Jordan guy. He was very good at getting the ball down low and drawing a foul. Everybody knows that I'm Russels biggest fan, but if he doesn't step up and do something on offense, I really like what I'm seeing from Stewart (although Eck seems like the preferred big man coming off the bench.).

[krh44]

I saw first half on TV and was in Vines for second. A good crowd. between the 10-15 minute we got stuck on 39 and they built the lead back up. We had several chances but just stupid stuff. They did make another come back and cut it to 5 but when the big guy hit the three w/ 2 minutes to go it was all over. The last few minutes Blair took over but they need someone else to g to. The guy playing the Cowbell was great !!!

[TDDance234]

Is the Cowbell dude STILL there?

[prototype]

stevev said:

325th out of 332. Man that really sucks that were are rated that low. That's worse than our football team.

Listen - this RPI thing tears me up. Enough already!!! I about threw up last week when I had to read this article about Winthrop being tied for 1st place in the RPI. You can't look at those rankings this early in the season. I don't remember the teams they were tied with - it was like California Pan Am, St. Mary College of the Blind, North Iowa State CC. Duke was ranked like 157th in the same pole. Winthrop had trouble with Newberry - they have a great team, but everyone in the Big South is Beatable.

Back to my point, did I mention I hate Winthrop, Coastal Carolina, VMI...and I will until the Small South Conference gives us some credit and sees us for what Liberty is - the top Athletic Power in our Conference.

OK, off my point - it's late, I'm tired, away from my family, and to make it worse - in one of the worst cities in America - no offense PAMedic - It's just that people here don't know the difference between a trashcan and a street - Have some PRIDE.

OK, I will get back to my point eventually - I'm starting to annoy myself. Liberty is not the 7th worst team in the country. If that's what that rating states, they might as well put that with the Presidential Approval Rating Poll - in the trash. Liberty is young plain and simple. Coach D is not a miracle worker. We have lost to good teams - YES GOOD TEAMS. If you try and say Longwood is a bad team - you didn't go to the game. We didn't play the best game, but it was in their gym (which is about the same size as Waffle House) and that team has played together for 4 years against some of the best competition in the Nation, and to make it worse - they are tremendously Athletic. But be there when they come to the Vines Center - my prediction is we set the record straight.

Let's not all concentrate on some stupid poll that couldn't tell the difference between Duke and Winthrop and look at this team for what it is - Young, talented, and has only one goal - Compete in the Big South Conference. We will certainly lose our fair share of games this year - but hey, from what I've seen - once the team learns how to play together and utilize all their talent - this team will be better than last years and as I remember it - we were the second best team in the Conference last year.

Sorry so long - I'm fired up - I missed the Buffalo Game, and all they talk about up here on TV is about their stupid Eagles - I'll make the news story shorter - They stink - DEAL WITH IT!!! They stunk before Monday Night, they stunk before McNabb got hurt, they stunk right after they refused to give one of the games biggest, most productive WR a guaranteed contract - not more money, just a guarantee. He is a pain in the butt, but hey I was in professional sports for 5 years - it's the norm.

[prototype]

Yes - The Cowbell is BACK ;D

[PAmedic]

prototype said:

stevev said:

325th out of 332. Man that really sucks that were are rated that low. That's worse than our football team.

I don't remember the teams they were tied with - it was like California Pan Am, St. Mary College of the Blind, North Iowa State CC.

now THAT is funny.

good to have ya back man!

[PAmedic]

Blair’s Career Milestone Not Good Enough To Lift Flames Over Bulls

December 6, 2005 · Lynchburg, Va.

Larry Blair scored his 1,000th career point early on and then got a good start on his next 1,000 points with a season-best 30 points, but the effort wasn’t good enough as Buffalo used a key stretch in the second half to fend off Liberty and pick up a 66-53 victory over the Flames, Tuesday evening, at the Vines Center.

The contest remained close over the first several minutes of the game as Blair (Jr., G, Charlotte, N.C.) knocked down a jumper at the 13:59 mark to propel the junior over the 1,000 career point mark and pull the Flames within one point, 10-9.

However, Buffalo (7-1) scored seven-straight points and opened up an eight-point lead, 17-9, on a jumper by Roderick Middleton at the 11:15 mark. The Bulls continued to stretch their lead over the next seven minutes of play as a pair of free throws by Yassin Idbihi gave the visitors a 12-point lead, 30-18, with 4:36 left before halftime.

Liberty (2-4) started to pull things together and cut the lead in half as another jumper by Blair trimmed the lead back to six points, 30-24, just two minutes later. But Mario Jordan scored the final four points of the half on a pair of free throws at the 1:43 mark and a jumper with 40 seconds left in the half to give the visitors a 10-point lead at the break, 34-24.

The Flames slowly chipped away at the lead as a lay-up by Rell Porter (So., F, Pittsburg, Texas) cut the lead to three points, 39-36, at the 13:45 mark of the second half. Over the next several possessions, the two teams traded three-point field goals as Calvin Cage knocked down a trey with 12:19 left to play, while Anthony Smith (Fr., G, Plano, Texas) responded with a three-pointer just nine seconds later. However, the Bulls scored eight-unanswered points to open up an 11-point lead, 50-39, on a jumper by Cage at the 9:39 mark.

The Flames attempted to string together one final run as a pair of free throws by Evan Risher (So., G, Fort Worth, Texas) capped off a 6-0 run to cut the lead back to five points, 58-53, with 2:44 left on the game clock, but the Bulls held the Flames scoreless over the remainder of the contest and scored eight unanswered to seal the 13-point victory.

“I was very pleased with our performance tonight and proud of the way our team played,” commented head coach Randy Dunton after the contest. “We played with great intensity during the first half and over the first 10 minutes of the second half, but they were a more experienced team and they were able to come away with a victory.”

“Our team will learn a lot from this game tonight and we certainly will grow after a performance like this evening,” continued Dunton. “Buffalo was a very determined team and their experience gave them the edge in the end.”

Buffalo placed four players in double figures as Parnell Smith led the team with 16 points, while Cage followed with 13 points, which was aided by a 3-of-6 outing from behind the arc. Idbihi and Jordan added 12 points each, while Idbihi led the squad with six boards.

Blair led the squad with his 30-point outing on 13-of-25 shooting from the field, tying a career-high for field goals in a game, while the junior became the 19th player in school history to join the 1,000 career point club and the first since former standout Larry Jackson did in 1997.

Blair was followed by Risher, who scored eight points, while Porter led the team with eight rebounds and Russell Monroe (So., C, Alma, Mich.) recorded four blocked shots.

The contest marked the final home game for the team during the calendar year as Liberty will begin a five-game road stretch on Saturday as they travel to Nashville, Tenn., to face Lipscomb. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. (CST) at Allen Arena.

[PAmedic]

Hello, Santa- is that you?

[PAmedic]

Flames improve in loss

By Chris Lang
Lynchburg News & Advance
December 6, 2005

At times, Liberty's men's basketball team looked ready to compete, which was a stunning development considering how bad the Flames looked last Wednesday when faced with adversity at Longwood.
The Flames lost 66-53 to Buffalo, a Mid-American Conference school that was one possession away from an NCAA tournament berth last year at Vines Center Tuesday night. That much wasn't terribly surprising considering the Bulls had won six of their first seven this year and Liberty was still trying to find a rhythm after losing most of its firepower from last year's squad.

A week ago, however, when the Flames fell behind by double digits against the Lancers in Farmville, they folded. They showed little fight, and that left coach Randy Dunton and leading scorer Larry Blair embarrassed.

Tuesday, the Flames showed progress. They trailed 34-24 at halftime, but instead of wilting, they threw a punch of their own and pulled within three points twice.

"We played hard for closer to 40 minutes than we have this whole season," said Blair, who led the Flames with 30 points and attempted more than half of Liberty's field goals. Blair also scored his 1,000 career point 6:04 into the first half. "We're getting closer to a complete game of aggression."

Liberty (2-4) didn't completely bridge the gap, but the increase in competitiveness from last week was apparent. While Dunton was disappointed with the loss, there wasn't an "everything is lost" air about him afterward.

"Part of growth is frustration," Dunton said. "Yeah, I'm frustrated tonight. But I'm also disciplined enough to focus on the positives. That's how you help a team grow."

Buffalo (7-1) took double-digit leads three times but couldn't put the pesky Flames away until 6-foot-10 center Yassin Idbihi drained a 3-pointer as the shot clock ran down, giving UB a 61-53 lead with 2:10 left. Parnell Smith led Buffalo with 16 points.

The fact that LU continued to come back in waves didn't surprise Bulls coach Reggie Withersthingy either. He left Lynchburg with a greater understanding of why Big South teams rarely leave LU with a win.

Buffalo made the trip because senior guard Calvin Cage, who scored 13 points, is from Capitol Heights, Md. Assistant coach Chris Hawkins played collegiately at Radford and still has family in the area, so it gave those two a chance to perform in front of friendly faces.

Asked if he was eager to return to Vines for another game, Withersthingy gave an incredulous look. You might as well have asked him to sell his right arm on eBay.

"This is like a hornet's nest," he said. "You kind of want to stay out of this thing."

There were other positives and negatives for the Flames. Forward Rell Porter had eight rebounds and played effectively for several minutes at the end with four fouls.

The sophomore played smart, effective defense and managed to avoid picking up his fifth foul while still helping his team.

"I think it is a positive," Porter said. "It shows that I can play with fouls and through adversity and help my team out the best way I can."

Two negatives stood out. Wing Damien Hubbard, LU's second-leading scorer, didn't play well. He had two points on 1 of 6 shooting and committed six turnovers, prompting Dunton to yell several times, "you're better than this!"

"You burn the tape and get to the next game," Dunton said. "Hopefully, he gets a lot better."

Liberty committed 23 turnovers, leading to 15 Buffalo points. Considering the Bulls won by 13, it's something the Flames will have to clean up over the next several weeks if they want to be a factor in the Big South.

"We've grown drastically every day," Porter said. "But we still have a whole lot of growing to do in order to be the best team in the Big South."

[jcmanson]

I really liked what I saw from the guys last night. Yes, we made some dumb mistakes with turnovers, but that is to be expected from such a young team. I can not say enough about Larry Blair. What a teammate and representative for the university. There was a stretch late in the first half where it looked as if he was the only player on the court. He was diving after loose balls with stitches in his head, stealing the ball, scoring, trying to fire up the crowd and his teammates. I wish we had 5 Larry Blair's! Anyways, I thought our defense was very tough. We did have a few lapses on D, but for the most part we held our own on that end of the floor. Many times the shot clock would reach single digits and they would just have to throw something up. I really like what I saw from Anthony Smith. This kid should be a real player in the next few years. There was a stretch midway through the second half where he was matched up on their leading scorer, and he shut him down. The kid he was guarding only made one shot on him, which he made an excellent move to nail a three. On the way back down the court the guy from Buffalo was talking trash to A-Smith, I thought it would ge tin his head and rattle him. But Smith got the ball in the corner, and nailed in three right in his face! I believe we really need Smith to step up this year to help out with the scoring. He just doesn't seem to look for shots yet. I thought Evan's play was improved. He still made a few dumb mistakes, but he became more aggressive driving it to the hole in the 2nd half.

[SCAR]

Ok Proto, stay off of my city man! Philadelphia is and always will be home no matter how dirty it is (in some sections not the whole city btw). Stay off my Eagles too man, just because your Tampa Buc's finally won a game in cold weather in the old Vet doesn't mean you guys don't still stink :-). I agree that the Eagles handled the TO thing all wrong and they were being cheap even though TO acted like a jerk....Now back to the Flames, I said it earlier but this team will be fine. They are still learning how to play period. Blair looked like he looked last night because he has been there before and he is a really special player. The other guys don't know how to function in a tough environment just yet. Russell Monroe only took 1 shot last night! He is still growing up. The defense was great and they were well prepared. Buffalo is a really good team in a tough MAC conference. Liberty actually had achance to win the game. Proto I can't believe you didn't tune in on the internet to our telecast or at least the radio broadcast from Jerry Edwards! You missed a good game man.

[Insider]

Prototype:

“Winthrop had trouble with Newberry - they have a great team, but everyone in the Big South is Beatable ...

“Back to my point, did I mention I hate Winthrop, Coastal Carolina, VMI...and I will until the Small South Conference gives us some credit and sees us for what Liberty is - the top Athletic Power in our Conference.”

First, yes they did have trouble with Newberry but then they almost beat the No. 19 team in the country … if you remember correctly, Liberty had trouble with Cincinnati Christian and then we finally pulled away …

Secondly, LU is not the top Athletic Power in the Big South … they had a trophy out for that at the end of each year and Coastal Carolina is the school that’s been collecting that one.

I was at the game last night and you saw the formula for every team we play … let Blair get his, stop everyone else … if it wasn’t for Buffalo going cold, we would have lost by a lot more at home (a place we’re supposed to dominate).

[LUconn]

Insider said:

Prototype:

if it wasn’t for Buffalo going cold, we would have lost by a lot more at home (a place we’re supposed to dominate).

Oh is that what happened? It was all Buffalo's fault that a good look at the basket was few and far between. Those 5 or 6 blocked shots, compared to their 0, must have been their guys shooting the ball right into our hands.

I'll admit that our offense is pretty pathetic at this point, but surely everyone can see that we're playing some pretty solid D.

[the real insider]

How many "insiders" are there? Because this insider see things in a much different light.
Buffalo received votes in the AP top twenty five and is ranked in the mid-major poll. There last two games were a 85-69 win over Fresno St. and a 68-59 road win over Niagara. OUR
Flames did an improved job on the defensive and rebounding areas. Holding Buffalo to a season low 35% from the field and a season low 27 rebounds while winning the battle by 10.
With 2:44 to go it is 58-53 and the big guy Idbihi hits a tough three over Eck. OUR Flames need to finish better,because the 8-0 run makes it look like it wasn't the kind of game I saw.
OUR program has always been the victim of CRITICS with some negative bent. I have watched Dunton coach 4 teams in Lynchburg and everyone gets better as the season progresses. Those of us who really know Coach D, his staff and the circumstances they are
working through need to continue to lift them up in prayer and encouragement. This program will make the jump to mid-major success in the next two years. A perstistent positive dialogue
of support will hopefully turn some "insider" to an outsider.

[Sly Fox]

Didn't one of you Insiders register awhile back. Did you forget your password?

[jcmanson]

Did anyone else notice the 4 young men in street clothes sitting behind our bench on Tuesday night? I was just wondering who they are. I'm guessing potential recruits. If anyone knows that would be great. By the way, I like what I am seeing from this team. I do not understand everyone's charge against Dunton. My freshman year was his first year. I remember that year asking some of the guys on my hall if they wanted to go over to the game with me when the season was starting. They responded by saying, "Don't waste your time, they lose every game." What happened that year, and the last two years? Top 3 finish in the BSC each year, with a championship. I think this program is headed in the right direction. If we can keep everyone from this team for next year, along with the potential recruits I believe we should be favored to win the Conference next year. Go Flames!

[realist]

My two cents:

It is way too early to be putting any stock in RPI numbers. That being said, the disparity between WU and the rest of the conference will remain pretty wide I would guess. I'm hoping WU will finish in the 40's, but probably more like the 50's or 60's. The rest of the conference historically finishes anywhere from 130's to the bottom.

Longwood: That is a bad loss to a bad team. Any way you color it. Hopefully you guys can get at your place.

No way anyone but WU will be favored to win it next year. The year after maybe, but WU will return 4 of 5 starters next year, and only lose 3 seniors. The year after will be the opportunity for everyone else.

[jcmanson]

So you think we can't beat WU? Last year we only got beat by them by 8. I believe that come conference time this year, and again next year that we will be able to beat them at home. In the tournament who knows, but I don't think we should give up on us beating them. You never know what can happen in one game.

[PittLU]

Realist - that is why they play the games brother. Any given day one team can beat another.

Winthrop is not to the level of the Lady Flames on the women's side of BSC B-ball, but close. I really do think that Winthrop has the potential to be Gonzaga like. They have a commitment to basketball and have done extremely well in recruiting AND KEEPING their teams in tact.

Liberty can compete with Winthrop year in and out, but needs to win a few more BSC championships before they can claim bragging rights. A more immediate goal is to stay competitive which Coach D has accomplished under his watch. We should have some exciting basketball this year, but look for us to take a major step forward next year. After that will be a little rebuilding since you are losing your Blair, but the rest of the team will have had three years together.

Liberty can compete, and has a great upside in the future. Aspiring to be like Winthrop is not a bad goal, even if we compete closely with them.

[Sly Fox]

Realist - Newberry showed you guys are vulnerable. I wouldn't get caught up in any 16-0 dreams quite yet. You guys have a terrific squad that is clearly the best team int he league ... right now. But we're coming after you guys.

[HoldMyOwn]

jcmanson said:

I do not understand everyone's charge against Dunton. My freshman year was his first year. I remember that year asking some of the guys on my hall if they wanted to go over to the game with me when the season was starting. They responded by saying, "Don't waste your time, they lose every game." What happened that year, and the last two years? Top 3 finish in the BSC each year, with a championship. I think this program is headed in the right direction. If we can keep everyone from this team for next year, along with the potential recruits I believe we should be favored to win the Conference next year. Go Flames!

I've said that a million times b/c you'd be shocked on how many people would start a Fire Dunton thread....I'd join that thread if we werent winning and showing signs of improvement year to year....we gave a losing football programs coach 6 years & Dunton competes and has won a BSC and people wanted him gone 2 years after that....trust me...i'll start the thread once our team can no longer compete and looks like they're going back instead of forwards