Liberty Flames Defeat Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 72-56
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Thomas Assembly Center
Liberty Flames 72, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 56, 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 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs?
Liberty Flames beat Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 72-56 at Thomas Assembly Center on January 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Liberty Flames vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs?
Liberty Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
The Liberty Flames secured a decisive victory over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, winning 72-56 at the Thomas Assembly Center. This matchup featured two teams with contrasting recent performances, as Liberty entered the game on a five-game winning streak, while Louisiana Tech was struggling, having lost their last two games.
Liberty's record now stands at 13-3, reflecting their strong form, particularly in recent outings where they averaged 76.4 points per game while allowing 70.8. In their last ten games, they recorded a 7-3 record, showcasing their ability to score effectively and maintain competitive defense. Their last five games have been particularly impressive, with an average of 83.0 points scored and only 70.8 allowed, indicating a potent offense that has found its rhythm.
On the other hand, Louisiana Tech's record is now 8-8, with a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games. However, they have struggled in their last two matches, suffering defeats against Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee, where they averaged only 66.0 points scored and allowed 63.0. At home, the Bulldogs had been strong with a 6-0 record prior to this game, but their away form has been concerning, with an 0-4 record in away games.
The Flames and Bulldogs have faced each other twice in the past season, splitting the series with each team winning once. In their previous encounter on January 12, 2025, Louisiana Tech triumphed 79-74 at home, while Liberty claimed victory in their other meeting on February 7, 2025, with a score of 77-53. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the absence of key players can often influence the dynamics of such games. The market had Liberty favored to win by 4.5 points, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 135.5 points. The odds reflected Liberty's strong recent form and their overall record compared to Louisiana Tech's struggles.
The game conditions were typical for a January matchup, with both teams needing to adapt to the indoor environment of the Thomas Assembly Center. As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a display of Liberty's offensive prowess, highlighted by key plays in the second half that extended their lead. Avery Thomas II made a crucial layup, followed by Colin Porter hitting a 12-foot jumper, which helped solidify Liberty's control of the game.
The Flames' ability to convert free throws was also notable, with JJ Harper and Drew Grimes contributing to the score from the line in the closing moments of the game. Louisiana Tech struggled to keep pace, ultimately unable to overcome the deficit as the game progressed.
Overall, the matchup showcased Liberty's strong form and ability to perform under pressure, while Louisiana Tech will need to regroup and address their recent challenges as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIB -4.5 | 135.5 o -110 / u -110 | Liberty Flames -198 · Louisiana Tech Bulldogs +164 |
Leaders
- PointsDJ Dudley17Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- AssistsScooter Williams3Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- ReboundsAvery Thomas II10Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- PointsBrett Decker Jr.15Liberty Flames
- AssistsZach Cleveland8Liberty Flames
- ReboundsJosh Smith8Liberty Flames
Recent form
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Last 10: 6-4Streak L271.1 scored · 60.4 allowed per game6-0 at home
- L61-66at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 4
- L51-88at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 3
- W75-63vs UTEP MinersDec 30
- W90-37vs Dallas Christian CrusadersDec 22
- L53-61at Tulane Green WaveDec 18
- W65-44vs Louisiana Ragin' CajunsDec 13
- W89-37vs Ecclesia RoyalsDec 7
- L69-77at Georgia Southern EaglesDec 4
- W83-58vs Alcorn State BravesNov 29
- W75-73vs Indiana State SycamoresNov 27
Liberty Flames
Last 10: 7-3Streak W576.4 scored · 70.8 allowed per game3-2 away
- W78-69vs Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 4
- 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
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 | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-54 | 21-60 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 35 |
| Three-pointers | 9-24 | 9-24 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 38 |
| Free throws | 13-16 | 5-11 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 45 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 22 |
| Assists | 13 | 12 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 18 |
| Fouls | 11 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 16 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 96 | 2 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half29-24Avery Thomas II makes 25-foot three point jumper (AJ Bates assists)
- 1st Half31-24JJ Harper makes layup (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 1st Half34-24Colin Porter makes 27-foot three point jumper (Brett Decker Jr. assists)
- 1st Half34-27DJ Dudley makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half36-27JJ Harper makes layup (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half36-30AJ Bates makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kaden Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half38-30Brett Decker Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half38-32Sir Issac Herron makes 3-foot dunk (Avery Thomas II assists)
- 2nd Half40-32Colin Porter makes layup (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half43-32Kaden Metheny makes 25-foot three point jumper (Josh Smith assists)
- 2nd Half43-35DJ Dudley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Scooter Williams assists)
- 2nd Half44-35Colin Porter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-35Colin Porter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-35Kaden Metheny makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half48-37Sir Issac Herron makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half49-37Josh Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-37Josh Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-40Scooter Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-40Kaden Metheny makes 25-foot three point jumper (Colin Porter assists)
- 2nd Half53-43AJ Bates makes 23-foot three point jumper (Will Allen assists)
- 2nd Half55-43Brett Decker Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half58-43JJ Harper makes 23-foot three point jumper (Colin Porter assists)
- 2nd Half58-44Scooter Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-45Scooter Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-45JJ Harper makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half60-48Kaden Cooper makes 22-foot three point jumper (DJ Dudley assists)
- 2nd Half62-48Josh Smith makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half64-50Colin Porter makes layup
- 2nd Half62-50Scooter Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half64-52DJ Dudley makes layup
- 2nd Half65-52JJ Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-52JJ Harper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-54Avery Thomas II makes layup
- 2nd Half68-54Colin Porter makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half69-54JJ Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-54JJ Harper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-55Sir Issac Herron makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-56Sir Issac Herron makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-56Drew Grimes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-56Drew Grimes makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, below favours Liberty Flames.
Venue
- Thomas Assembly CenterRuston, LA
- Attendance2373
- OfficialsJason Baker, Owen Shortt, K.B. Burdett Jr.
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