Liberty Flames Defeat Jacksonville State Gamecocks 78-69
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Liberty Arena (VA)
Liberty Flames 78, Jacksonville State Gamecocks 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Liberty Flames?
Liberty Flames beat Jacksonville State Gamecocks 78-69 at Liberty Arena (VA) on January 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Liberty Flames?
Liberty Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -550 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In a competitive matchup at Liberty Arena, the Liberty Flames secured a 78-69 victory over the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. This win marked the Flames' fourth consecutive victory, showcasing their strong form as they continue to build momentum in the NCAAB season. With a home record of 11-3, Liberty has been particularly formidable on their home court, where they have won four of their last five games, averaging 76.4 points while allowing 74.0 points in that span.
The Flames entered this game riding a wave of confidence, having won their last four games, including a recent 81-73 triumph over Kennesaw State. Their scoring average over the last ten games stands at 78.4 points, while they have allowed an average of 68.5 points. In contrast, the Gamecocks, with a record of 7-7, have struggled to find consistency, particularly on the road, where they have a 2-4 record. Jacksonville State has been on a three-game winning streak, but their overall record in the last ten games is 4-6, with an average of 66.1 points scored and 65.8 points allowed.
In their previous meetings, Liberty has had the upper hand, winning two out of three encounters against Jacksonville State. The most recent matchup prior to this game was on March 16, 2025, when Liberty won decisively with a score of 79-67. This historical context added an extra layer of intrigue to the contest, as the Flames aimed to maintain their dominance over the Gamecocks.
The injury report showed that both teams were relatively healthy, which allowed them to field their best lineups. This was crucial for Liberty, especially as they sought to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the league standings. The market reflected Liberty's strong performance, with DraftKings setting the odds at LIB -9.5, indicating a significant expectation for the Flames to win by a comfortable margin. The total points line was set at 134.5, suggesting a moderately high-scoring game.
As the game unfolded, the Flames managed to maintain control, particularly in the second half, where they executed key scoring plays to pull away from the Gamecocks. Notable moments included a series of free throws by Colin Porter and Brett Decker Jr., which helped to solidify Liberty's lead as the game drew to a close. The Flames' ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities was a significant factor in their success, as they converted crucial shots when it mattered most.
The conditions at Liberty Arena were conducive to an exciting game, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. The atmosphere was electric, and the Flames thrived under the pressure, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform in front of their fans.
In conclusion, the Liberty Flames' 78-69 victory over the Jacksonville State Gamecocks highlighted their strong home advantage and current form, while also showcasing the competitive nature of college basketball. As both teams look ahead, Liberty will aim to continue their winning streak, while Jacksonville State will seek to regroup and build on their recent successes.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIB -9.5 | 134.5 o -108 / u -112 | Jacksonville State Gamecocks +410 · Liberty Flames -550 |
Leaders
- PointsKaden Metheny22Liberty Flames
- AssistsZach Cleveland7Liberty Flames
- ReboundsZach Cleveland10Liberty Flames
- PointsEmondrek Erkins-Ford24Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- AssistsJaye Nash4Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- ReboundsMostapha El Moutaouakkil8Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Recent form
Liberty Flames
Last 10: 7-3Streak W478.4 scored · 68.5 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W81-73vs Kennesaw State OwlsJan 3
- W97-94at Florida International PanthersDec 28
- W64-61at Dayton FlyersDec 20
- W95-57vs Midway EaglesDec 16
- L45-85at NC State WolfpackDec 11
- W92-50vs Coppin State EaglesDec 6
- L64-74at Bradley BravesNov 26
- L69-72vs Towson TigersNov 25
- W79-73at Vermont CatamountsNov 24
- W98-46vs Carolina University BruinsNov 18
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Last 10: 4-6Streak W366.1 scored · 65.8 allowed per game2-2 away
- W67-64at Delaware Blue HensJan 3
- W78-67vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersDec 30
- W81-75at East Tennessee State BuccaneersDec 20
- L59-62vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsDec 18
- L73-77at Georgia State PanthersDec 13
- W66-39vs Auburn Montgomery SenatorsDec 7
- L66-73vs North Alabama LionsDec 2
- L43-56vs North Dakota State BisonNov 26
- L63-74at Arkansas State Red WolvesNov 25
- L65-71vs South Alabama JaguarsNov 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Jacksonville State Gamecocks | Liberty Flames |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-57 | 24-54 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 6-19 | 8-22 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 36 |
| Free throws | 17-19 | 22-28 |
| Free throw % | 89 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 23 |
| Assists | 10 | 14 |
| Steals | 4 | 3 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 32 |
| Fouls | 21 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 23 | 70 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-48Iaroslav Niagu makes layup
- 2nd Half44-48Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes layup
- 2nd Half44-50Zach Cleveland makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half46-50AC Bryant makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-51Josh Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-52Josh Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-54Colin Porter makes layup
- 2nd Half47-54Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-54Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-54Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-56Ryan Jones Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half49-59Brett Decker Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half51-59Jacoby Hill makes layup (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half51-60Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-61Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-61Jaye Nash makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-63Zach Cleveland makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-63Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes 25-foot three point jumper (AC Bryant assists)
- 2nd Half56-64Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-64Jaye Nash makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-64Jaye Nash makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-65Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-66Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-67Josh Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-68Josh Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-68Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-68Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-70Josh Smith makes layup (JJ Harper assists)
- 2nd Half62-70Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes layup (AC Bryant assists)
- 2nd Half65-70AC Bryant makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half65-72Josh Smith makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half66-72Jacoby Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-72Jacoby Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-73Colin Porter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-74Colin Porter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-75Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-76Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-76Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half69-77Josh Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-78Josh Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Liberty Flames, below favours Jacksonville State Gamecocks.
Venue
- Liberty Arena (VA)Lynchburg, VA
- Attendance3087
- OfficialsGarrick Shannon, Lucas Santos, Anthony Eades
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond