ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jesse Sanders scored 16 points and Evan Gordon added 15 as Liberty defeated North Carolina-Asheville 59-55 on Sunday.
The Flames (10-6), 4-0 in the Big South Conference for the first time, got there by surviving a 21-turnover performance. Meanwhile, UNC-Asheville squandered a potential advantage at the free throw line. The Bulldogs (6-8, 1-3) got nine more chances at the line (28-19), but only made two more free throws than the Flames (17-15).
The Bulldogs struggled no matter where their shots originated. They shot only 18 of 51 from the field (35.3 percent), including only 2 of 15 from 3-point territory (13.3 percent). Chris Stephenson led UNC-Asheville with 16 points and J.P. Primm added 11.
Following a timeout, Sanders' long 3-pointer put the Flames ahead 53-49 with 1:27 left. Gordon helped milk the shot clock, then hit a 10-footer to make it 55-50 with 35 seconds left.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.