Liberty Flames Edge Jacksonville State Gamecocks 81-78
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Pete Mathews Coliseum
Liberty Flames 81, Jacksonville State Gamecocks 78, 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 Jacksonville State Gamecocks?
Liberty Flames beat Jacksonville State Gamecocks 81-78 at Pete Mathews Coliseum on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Liberty Flames vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks?
Liberty Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Liberty Flames defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 81-78 at Pete Mathews Coliseum on February 28, 2026. This game showcased the Flames' ability to secure a victory on the road, further solidifying their strong season with a record of 24-5, while the Gamecocks fell to 14-15. The Flames entered the game as 3.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 139.5.
The Flames had been performing well leading up to this game, boasting a record of 8-2 in their last 10 contests, although they were currently on a two-game losing streak. Their average scoring during this stretch was 75.6 points per game, while they allowed 72.6 points. In their most recent game, they lost to Kennesaw State 65-74, which marked a significant dip in form after a series of victories. Liberty's away record was strong at 5-1, indicating their capability to compete effectively outside their home venue.
Conversely, Jacksonville State's recent form was mixed, with a record of 5-5 over their last 10 games and a current streak of one win. The Gamecocks averaged 73.1 points scored and allowed 70.7 points during this period. Their last game was a win against Delaware, where they triumphed 80-70, showcasing their potential to score effectively at home. However, their overall home record stood at 3-2, which indicated some vulnerabilities in their performance at Pete Mathews Coliseum.
Historically, Liberty has had the upper hand in their recent matchups against Jacksonville State, winning three out of the last four encounters. The most recent meeting prior to this game occurred on January 4, 2026, where Liberty won 78-69. This trend suggested that the Flames were comfortable competing against the Gamecocks, even when playing away.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details regarding player availability for either team, which can often play a crucial role in the outcome of games. However, both teams fielded competitive lineups, contributing to the intensity of the matchup.
The game conditions were typical for a basketball matchup, with both teams needing to adapt to the atmosphere of the Pete Mathews Coliseum. Fans were treated to a thrilling contest, with the score reflecting the competitive nature of the teams. As the game progressed, key moments included Colin Porter’s crucial free throws in the second half, which helped extend Liberty's lead. His performance, alongside contributions from teammates like Zander Carter and Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, was instrumental in securing the victory.
As the game concluded, the final score of 81-78 highlighted the narrow margin by which Liberty prevailed, a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams. Viewers were able to witness a dynamic display of basketball, characterized by strategic plays and clutch performances, particularly in the closing minutes. The Flames' ability to maintain composure under pressure ultimately led them to victory, while the Gamecocks demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the game.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIB -3.5 | 139.5 o -105 / u -115 | Liberty Flames -175 · Jacksonville State Gamecocks +145 |
Leaders
- PointsMostapha El Moutaouakkil21Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- AssistsJaye Nash5Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- ReboundsMostapha El Moutaouakkil6Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- PointsKaden Metheny24Liberty Flames
- AssistsZach Cleveland5Liberty Flames
- ReboundsZach Cleveland7Liberty Flames
Recent form
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Last 10: 5-5Streak W173.1 scored · 70.7 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W80-70vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 27
- L78-82at Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 21
- L71-77at Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 19
- L70-79vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 14
- L64-69vs UTEP MinersFeb 12
- W77-58vs Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 8
- W71-66at Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 6
- L67-74at Missouri State BearsJan 31
- W78-74at Florida International PanthersJan 29
- W75-58vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 24
Liberty Flames
Last 10: 8-2Streak L275.6 scored · 72.6 allowed per game5-1 away
- L65-74at Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 27
- L73-94vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 21
- W90-89vs Florida International PanthersFeb 19
- W73-64at UTEP MinersFeb 14
- W77-75at New Mexico State AggiesFeb 12
- W79-76vs Missouri State BearsFeb 7
- W75-69at Delaware Blue HensFeb 5
- W81-65at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 30
- W67-51vs Delaware Blue HensJan 24
- W76-69at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 22
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 | Jacksonville State Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-50 | 28-55 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 11-25 | 8-18 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 44 |
| Free throws | 14-18 | 14-20 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 3 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 22 |
| Assists | 15 | 13 |
| Steals | 3 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 38 |
| Fouls | 17 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 13 | 81 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-46Iaroslav Niagu makes layup (Jacoby Hill assists)
- 2nd Half42-48Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes layup (Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half42-50Jacoby Hill makes layup
- 2nd Half44-50Kaden Metheny makes layup
- 2nd Half45-50JJ Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-50Josh Smith makes layup (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 2nd Half47-53Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes 24-foot three point jumper (Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half50-53Kaden Metheny makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-53Zach Cleveland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-55Jacoby Hill makes layup (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half53-55Josh Smith makes 1-foot dunk (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 2nd Half53-58Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half54-58Colin Porter makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half55-58Colin Porter makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half56-58Colin Porter makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half56-59Jacoby Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-59Josh Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half60-59Zander Carter makes layup (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half60-61Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half63-61Brett Decker Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper (Colin Porter assists)
- 2nd Half63-63Iaroslav Niagu makes 1-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-64Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-65Zach Cleveland makes layup
- 2nd Half67-65Kaden Metheny makes layup
- 2nd Half70-65Brett Decker Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half73-65Kaden Metheny makes 22-foot three point jumper (Colin Porter assists)
- 2nd Half73-67Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes layup
- 2nd Half75-67JJ Harper makes layup
- 2nd Half75-68Jaye Nash makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-69Jaye Nash makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-71Jacoby Hill makes layup
- 2nd Half76-71Colin Porter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-71Colin Porter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-71Zander Carter makes layup
- 2nd Half79-73Toby Nnadozie makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half80-73Colin Porter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-73Colin Porter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-76Jacoby Hill makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half81-78Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes layup (Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Jacksonville State Gamecocks, below favours Liberty Flames.
Venue
- Pete Mathews ColiseumJacksonville, AL
- Attendance1573
- OfficialsAnthony Jordan, Ryan Christian, Matt Jarman
Elsewhere
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- 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