NCAAM Scheduled
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Western Kentucky

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Liberty

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Preview

LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — A surging Liberty squad looks to continue its dominant run through Conference USA when it hosts a Western Kentucky team seeking a signature road win Saturday at Vines Center. The Flames (23-3, 11-2 CUSA) enter on a 10-game winning streak, most recently edging Florida International 90-89 in overtime on Thursday. They sit atop the conference standings and have lost only once since mid-December. Liberty previously defeated Western Kentucky 76-69 on Jan. 21 in Bowling Green. Western Kentucky (15-11, 7-6) arrives with momentum from a thrilling 88-87 overtime road victory at Delaware on Wednesday. The Hilltoppers have won three of their last four, but have struggled for consistency in league play. Liberty is anchored by versatile forward Zach Cleveland, who is coming off an 18-point, eight-assist performance against FIU. Over his last eight games, Cleveland has averaged 13.4 points, 7.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds, including a triple-double against Missouri State on Feb. 7. The Hilltoppers counter with high-scoring guard Teagan Moore, who has tallied 55 points over his last two games. He scored 27 in the win at Delaware and 28 in a victory over Middle Tennessee on Feb. 14. Moore was held to 14 points in the first meeting with Liberty. Liberty’s defense, which allows a conference-low 67.2 points per game, will focus on containing Moore and backcourt mate Ryan Myers, who added 22 points and five assists against Delaware. The Flames’ efficient offense, which leads CUSA in field goal percentage, will test a Western Kentucky defense that has been vulnerable on the road. A Liberty win would solidify its position for the top seed in next month’s conference tournament. Western Kentucky needs a résumé-boosting victory to improve its seeding and bolster its hopes for a postseason berth. Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Liberty visits Kennesaw State next Thursday, while Western Kentucky hosts New Mexico State next Thursday.

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