Homesley scores career-high in Liberty loss to ‘Bama

Liberty faced its second Power 5 opponent this season, as the Flames went up against Alabama in the Rocket City Classic in Huntsville, Ala.

The Flames hung tight with the Crimson Tide all night, but late in the game, Alabama pulled away for an 84-75 win over the Flames. Liberty falls to 9-3, while Alabama improves to 7-3.

Alabama picked up its offensive attack in the second half, as they shot 57.7 percent from the floor, led by John Petty (14 points) and Donta Hall (13 points). The duo combined for 27 of Alabama’s 50 second half points. The Crimson Tide also took advantage of the three-point shot in the second half, making 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.

“Alabama is a really good basketball team, especially when they have the advantage at the free throw line,” Liberty coach Ritchie McKay said. “They did a really good job of attacking inside; when they shoot 39 free throws, it is going to be tough for any team to overcome that. That is our responsibility to do a better job defensively. I really like their team, but I like our team. We just let it go in a different direction. Credit goes to Alabama. They have some really good players.”