LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP)—Anthony Smith led Liberty with 25 points in their 97-77 win over Montreat. Smith shot 10-for-15 from the field, and also recorded nine rebounds.
The Flames (1-0) were led by Seth Curry, who scored 23 points. Curry also had seven steals in the contest, tying a record at Vines Center.
Montreat was led by M.J. Njoku, who scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Nkoju shot 11-for-13 from the free-throw line. Seth Moore scored 10 points and had nine rebounds for the Cavaliers (1-2).
Liberty went on a 7-0 run in the second half, taking a 60-40 lead with 15:36 remaining in the second half. The Flames finished the night connecting on 48 percent from the floor and 46 percent from 3-point range. The win was the first season-opening victory for Liberty since 2000.
