Kristian Ferrell
The Virginia Tech Hokies and the Liberty Flames men's basketball teams have faced off multiple times, with the Hokies winning a preseason exhibition game in November 2019 and a second-round NCAA Tournament game in March 2019, advancing them to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 52 years. The Hokies also won a regular-season meeting in 2014. However, the Flames have achieved notable victories against other strong teams, and individual players like Caleb Homesley have shown exceptional performances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 24 March 2019 |
| Winner | Virginia Tech |
| Final Score | 67-58 |
| Seed | Virginia Tech: 4 |
| Seed | Liberty: 12 |
| Previous Meeting Score | Virginia Tech won 73-63 |
| Previous Meeting Date | 19 November 2014 |
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What You'll Learn
Virginia Tech beat Liberty Flames 67-58 in 2019
On March 24, 2019, Virginia Tech Hokies beat the Liberty Flames 67-58 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. This win advanced Virginia Tech to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 52 years.
The fourth-seeded Virginia Tech had previously beaten the 12th-seeded Liberty Flames in a preseason exhibition game in November 2019. The Hokies dominated the second half of that game, winning by a blowout. The Flames, however, were coming off a phenomenal win against Mississippi State, their first tournament win in program history.
The game in March was a close contest. The Flames, despite averaging 8.9 3-pointers per game, had sunk 13 3-pointers in their exhibition loss to Virginia Tech. In the March game, Ty Outlaw of Virginia Tech missed several shots, including a three-point jumper and a jumper. Kerry Blackshear Jr. also missed multiple shots for Virginia Tech, including a jumper and a layup. For the Flames, Scottie James had a poor outing, scoring just six points and pulling in six rebounds. On the other hand, Caleb Homesley had a career-high 30 points and led a late-game surge for the Flames.
Despite the efforts of both teams, Virginia Tech ultimately emerged victorious, with their defensive strategy of keeping teams out of the paint and forcing them to beat them from the 3-point range proving effective. This win was a significant milestone for Virginia Tech, ending their 52-year drought without reaching the Sweet Sixteen.
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Virginia Tech advanced to the Sweet Sixteen
On March 24, 2019, Virginia Tech's men's basketball team beat Liberty in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 52 years. The Hokies won the game 67-58, with a strong performance from players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who made a layup, and Wabissa Bede, who made a three-point jumper assisted by Alexander-Walker.
This was not the first time the two teams had met. In November 2019, Virginia Tech beat Liberty in a preseason exhibition game. The Hokies dominated the second half, pulling off a blowout win. The game on March 24, 2019, was a much closer contest, with Liberty, a 12th-seed team, putting up a strong fight. However, Virginia Tech, the fourth seed, ultimately prevailed and secured their spot in the Sweet Sixteen.
Virginia Tech's success in reaching the Sweet Sixteen can be attributed to their defensive strategy, which focused on keeping their opponents out of the paint and forcing them to rely on three-point shots. This strategy worked effectively against Liberty, who, despite averaging only 8.9 three-pointers per game, sank 13 three-pointers in their exhibition loss to Virginia Tech.
The Hokies' victory over Liberty was a significant milestone, ending their 52-year drought since last reaching the Sweet Sixteen. This achievement showcased the team's growth and improvement, as noted by Tech guard Alexander-Walker, who acknowledged the increased stakes of the NCAA Tournament compared to their previous preseason games.
Virginia Tech's advancement to the Sweet Sixteen was a testament to their hard work and determination. Their win against Liberty demonstrated their ability to adapt and execute effective strategies, setting the stage for their continued success in the tournament.
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Liberty Flames beat Mississippi State in 2019
The Liberty Flames men's basketball team made history in 2019 when they beat the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament. The final score was 80-76, marking Liberty's first-ever victory in the tournament. The 12th-seeded Flames put in a phenomenal performance, with Caleb Homesley scoring 22 of his 30 points in the second half and Lovell Cabbil hitting a go-ahead 3-pointer. This victory continued a string of first-round upsets in San Jose, with the Flames advancing to face the 4th-seeded Virginia Tech Hokies in the second round.
The game against Virginia Tech took place on March 24, 2019, and the Hokies emerged victorious with a final score of 67-58. This win advanced Virginia Tech to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 52 years. The game was tight, with nine lead changes and six ties. The Bulldogs, seeded fifth, even held a 10-point lead during the second half but eventually succumbed due to foul trouble from their top shooters, Lamar Peters and Quinndary Weatherspoon.
Liberty's victory over Mississippi State was a significant upset, as it was the school's first-ever win in the NCAA tournament. The Flames' leading scorer, Scottie James, had a poor outing, scoring just six points and grabbing six rebounds. However, Homesley's career-high 30 points and Cabbil's crucial three-pointer led the Flames to a memorable win. This game was also notable for being one of several upsets at the SAP Center, creating unexpected second-round matchups.
The Liberty Flames' win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs demonstrated the team's resilience and ability to rise to the occasion. Despite being underdogs, they pulled off a remarkable victory, showcasing the talent and determination of the players and coaching staff. This triumph in the first round of the NCAA tournament will forever be etched in the history of Liberty Flames basketball, serving as a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.
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Virginia Tech beat Liberty Flames in a preseason exhibition game in 2019
In a preseason exhibition game in 2019, Virginia Tech beat the Liberty Flames by a score of 86-70. This game was played to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, which had been affected by hurricanes Florence and Michael. The Hokies, led by point guard Justin Robinson, dominated the second half of the game, outrebounding the Flames 39-18. Robinson commented that having played against the Flames previously helped the team, as they were familiar with the capabilities of the players.
The Hokies employed a defensive strategy that focused on keeping their opponents out of the paint and forcing them to take shots from 3-point range. This strategy proved effective, as the Flames, who averaged 8.9 3-pointers per game, sank 13 3-pointers in the exhibition loss. Virginia Tech's victory in this preseason game set the tone for a successful season, as they went on to advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 52 years.
The Liberty Flames entered the exhibition game with momentum, having won the Atlantic Sun tournament and achieved the first tournament win in their program's history against Mississippi State. However, their leading scorer, Scottie James, had a poor outing, scoring only six points and pulling in six rebounds. Caleb Homesley stepped up for the Flames, scoring a career-high 30 points and leading a late-game surge.
The preseason exhibition game between Virginia Tech and Liberty Flames in 2019 showcased the resilience and determination of both teams. Despite the outcome, both teams displayed moments of brilliance and a commitment to supporting a worthy cause through their athletic endeavours.
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Virginia Tech beat Liberty Flames 73-63 at home in 2014
On November 19, 2014, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team hosted the Liberty Flames and emerged victorious with a final score of 73-63. This game marked a regular-season meeting between the two teams, with Virginia Tech holding the home-court advantage.
The Hokies, representing Virginia Tech, demonstrated their defensive prowess by focusing on keeping their opponents out of the paint. Their strategy involved forcing the Flames to attempt more challenging shots from beyond the three-point line. This approach proved successful, as the Flames, who averaged 8.9 three-pointers per game, were held to only 13 three-pointers in their exhibition loss to Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech's victory in the 2014 matchup set a positive tone for their future encounters with the Liberty Flames. In 2019, the two teams faced each other again in a highly anticipated game during the NCAA Tournament. The stakes were considerably higher in this matchup, as the winner would advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Virginia Tech, the fourth seed, showcased their growth as players and dominated the twelfth-seeded Flames, securing a hard-fought 67-58 victory.
The 2019 game exemplified the competitive spirit and enthusiasm surrounding these matchups. With both teams hailing from the same state, the atmosphere was electric, with passionate fans from both sides in attendance. The intensity of the game reflected the high stakes, as Virginia Tech sought to continue their winning streak against the Flames and secure their spot in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 52 years.
While the specific details of the 2014 game may not be as widely documented, it undoubtedly laid the foundation for the evolving rivalry between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Liberty Flames. The 2014 matchup served as a precursor to the more high-profile encounters that followed, shaping the trajectory of this in-state rivalry and contributing to the rich history of college basketball in the state.
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Frequently asked questions
Virginia Tech won the game 67-58.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kerry Blackshear Jr., and Justin Robinson were some of the key players in the game.
This game was significant as it helped Virginia Tech advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 52 years.
