Liberty Flames Edge Florida International in OT Thriller
Sunday, December 28, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · Ocean Bank Convocation Center
Liberty Flames 97, Florida International Panthers 94, 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 Liberty Flames vs Florida International Panthers?
Liberty Flames beat Florida International Panthers 97-94 at Ocean Bank Convocation Center on December 28, 2025.
Who was favored in Liberty Flames vs Florida International Panthers?
Liberty Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -225 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, the Liberty Flames narrowly defeated the Florida International Panthers 97-94 in overtime. This matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Liberty improving their record to 10-3 while Florida International fell to 7-6.
The game was marked by intense back-and-forth action, with both teams demonstrating their offensive capabilities. Florida International entered the game with a recent record of 6-4 over their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 86.2 points scored while allowing 81.0 points during this stretch. Their recent form included impressive home victories, notably a 121-70 win against Trinity College of Jacksonville just days before this matchup. However, their away performance had been less favorable, with a record of 0-3 in that span.
On the other hand, Liberty came into the game with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games and also riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 78.4 points scored and allowed 66.1 points during this period. Their recent performances included a solid 64-61 win against the Dayton Flyers and a dominant 95-57 victory over the Midway Eagles. Liberty's away record stood at 2-2, indicating a balanced performance both at home and on the road.
Historically, Florida International had struggled against Liberty, losing both previous meetings in the 2025 season. The first encounter saw Florida International fall 59-82 at home, and the second was a closer contest, ending 45-58 in Liberty's favor. This backdrop added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as Florida International sought to break their losing streak against the Flames.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams appeared to be at full strength for this encounter, allowing for a competitive matchup. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Liberty favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 152.5. The moneyline odds reflected Liberty at -225 and Florida International at 185, indicating the Flames were seen as the stronger team heading into the game.
Conditions in the arena were conducive to an exciting game, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. Fans witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions, especially as the game went into overtime. The final moments of regulation saw both teams exchanging leads, but it was Liberty's late-game execution that ultimately sealed the victory.
In overtime, the scoring plays highlighted the clutch performances from Liberty's players. Zawdie Jackson made a crucial three-point step back jumper, giving Liberty a brief lead. Kaden Metheny responded with a three-pointer of his own, showcasing the back-and-forth nature of the overtime period. The final moments saw Liberty maintaining their composure at the free-throw line, with Colin Porter and Brett Decker Jr. contributing vital points that pushed them ahead.
The game concluded with Liberty securing a hard-fought victory, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Fans of both teams were treated to an exhilarating display of college basketball, setting the stage for what could be an exciting season ahead.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIB -4.5 | 152.5 o -110 / u -110 | Liberty Flames -225 · Florida International Panthers +185 |
Leaders
- PointsEric Dibami21Florida International Panthers
- AssistsZawdie Jackson4Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsCorey Stephenson11Florida International Panthers
- PointsBrett Decker Jr.27Liberty Flames
- AssistsZach Cleveland7Liberty Flames
- ReboundsJosh Smith9Liberty Flames
Recent form
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W286.2 scored · 81 allowed per game6-1 at home
- W121-70vs Trinity College of Jacksonville EaglesDec 22
- W86-79vs Long Island University SharksDec 20
- L81-98at Miami HurricanesDec 17
- W88-65vs Jacksonville DolphinsDec 6
- W89-83vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesDec 4
- W74-61vs Omaha MavericksNov 26
- L72-80vs James Madison DukesNov 25
- W104-80vs Fort Lauderdale EaglesNov 19
- L81-98at LSU TigersNov 14
- L66-96at Nebraska CornhuskersNov 8
Liberty Flames
Last 10: 7-3Streak W278.4 scored · 66.1 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- W88-68vs Florida Atlantic OwlsNov 9
- W90-75vs Charleston CougarsNov 7
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 | Liberty Flames | Florida International Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-69 | 36-73 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 15-40 | 6-17 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 35 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 16-23 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 20 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 25 |
| Assists | 23 | 12 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 56 |
| Fouls | 17 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 17 | 17 |
| Time in front | 38 | 50 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half60-64Brit Harris makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half60-66Corey Stephenson makes layup
- 2nd Half63-66Brett Decker Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Josh Smith assists)
- 2nd Half63-68Corey Stephenson makes driving layup (Hamed Olayinka assists)
- 2nd Half66-68Brett Decker Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 2nd Half66-70Brit Harris makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half69-70Kaden Metheny makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brett Decker Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half69-72Eric Dibami makes layup
- 2nd Half71-72Brett Decker Jr. makes 5-foot dunk (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half71-73Hamed Olayinka makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-73JJ Harper makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half73-74Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-75Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-75Kaden Metheny makes 24-foot three point jumper (Colin Porter assists)
- 2nd Half76-76Hamed Olayinka makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-77Hamed Olayinka makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-77Kaden Metheny makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-77Kaden Metheny makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-78Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-79Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-79Josh Smith makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half80-81Zawdie Jackson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half80-82Eric Dibami makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-82Josh Smith makes layup (Zach Cleveland assists)
- OT82-84Zawdie Jackson makes driving layup
- OT83-84Josh Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT84-84Josh Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT85-84Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT86-84Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT86-86Eric Dibami makes layup
- OT89-86Kaden Metheny makes 23-foot three point jumper (Colin Porter assists)
- OT89-88Eric Dibami makes 0-foot tip in layup
- OT89-91Zawdie Jackson makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- OT92-91Kaden Metheny makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brett Decker Jr. assists)
- OT93-91Colin Porter makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT94-91Colin Porter makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT95-91Kaden Metheny makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT95-94Corey Stephenson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- OT96-94Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT97-94Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida International Panthers, below favours Liberty Flames.
Venue
- Ocean Bank Convocation CenterMiami, FL
- Attendance399
- OfficialsSteven Anderson, Bart Lenox, Wil Howard
Elsewhere
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- 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