Louisiana Tech Tops Liberty Flames in Close Contest
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Liberty Arena (VA)
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 76, Liberty Flames 71, 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 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Liberty Flames?
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs beat Liberty Flames 76-71 at Liberty Arena (VA) on March 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Liberty Flames?
Liberty Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -440 (about 81% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Liberty Arena, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs triumphed over the Liberty Flames with a final score of 76-71. This victory adds to Louisiana Tech's competitive history against Liberty, as they now hold a 3-1 record in their recent encounters. The Bulldogs had previously lost to the Flames earlier in the season, but they managed to turn the tables in this decisive clash.
Liberty entered the game with a strong home record of 24-6 and had been performing well, winning 8 of their last 10 games. Their recent form included an impressive scoring average of 76.1 points while allowing 73.5 points per game. However, they faced a challenge against Louisiana Tech, who brought a record of 17-13 into the game. The Bulldogs had a mixed bag in their last 10 games, finishing with a 5-5 record and an average of 70.9 points scored, while allowing 73.0 points.
The Flames had a solid home record of 3-1 in their last four games, while Louisiana Tech was 2-3 in their last five away games. Despite their strong home advantage, Liberty could not capitalize on it in this matchup. The game was closely contested throughout, with several lead changes and a nail-biting finish.
The betting odds provided by DraftKings indicated that Liberty was favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 136.5. The home money line was listed at -440.0, while Louisiana Tech's money line stood at 340.0, reflecting the expectations of a competitive game. As the match unfolded, it became clear that Louisiana Tech was determined to defy the odds.
In terms of injuries, the block does not mention any specific players missing from either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this crucial game. This allowed for a high level of competition, as both teams showcased their best players.
The game conditions were typical for a college basketball contest, with fans filling the arena and creating an electric atmosphere. Viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination, particularly in the second half, where Louisiana Tech pulled ahead with crucial scoring plays.
Key moments in the second half included a series of successful shots by Jaylen Fenner, who was instrumental in maintaining the Bulldogs' lead. His contributions included a driving layup and a series of turnaround jump shots that helped Louisiana Tech extend their advantage. The Flames fought back, with Colin Porter hitting a critical three-point jumper that brought them within striking distance, but it was not enough to overcome the Bulldogs' lead.
Ultimately, Louisiana Tech's ability to execute under pressure and their strategic plays in the final moments secured them the win. As the final buzzer sounded, the Bulldogs celebrated a hard-fought victory, while Liberty was left to reflect on missed opportunities. This game not only highlighted the competitiveness of both teams but also set the stage for future encounters.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIB -8.5 | 136.5 o -110 / u -110 | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs +340 · Liberty Flames -440 |
Leaders
- PointsBrett Decker Jr.30Liberty Flames
- AssistsZach Cleveland8Liberty Flames
- ReboundsKaden Metheny6Liberty Flames
- PointsAJ Bates34Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- AssistsAJ Bates4Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- ReboundsJaylen Fenner8Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Recent form
Liberty Flames
Last 10: 8-2Streak W176.1 scored · 73.5 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W81-78at Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 28
- 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
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak L170.9 scored · 73 allowed per game2-3 away
- L76-84vs Florida International PanthersFeb 28
- W72-70vs Missouri State BearsFeb 27
- L55-58at Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 21
- W77-71vs Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 19
- L64-77at Florida International PanthersFeb 14
- W79-78at Missouri State BearsFeb 13
- W87-78vs Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 7
- L63-72vs New Mexico State AggiesFeb 5
- L67-83at Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 1
- W69-59at UTEP MinersJan 29
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 | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs | Liberty Flames |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-61 | 23-55 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 7-23 | 16-39 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 41 |
| Free throws | 5-5 | 9-13 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 17 |
| Assists | 14 | 20 |
| Steals | 7 | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 14 |
| Fouls | 11 | 10 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 93 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half37-33Brett Decker Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Colin Porter assists)
- 1st Half39-33AJ Bates makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half39-35Colin Porter makes driving layup
- 1st Half41-35Avery Thomas II makes layup
- 1st Half41-38Kaden Metheny makes 24-foot three point jumper (Colin Porter assists)
- 1st Half43-38Jaylen Fenner makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half43-40Zach Cleveland makes layup (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 1st Half45-40AJ Bates makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half47-40AJ Bates makes 21-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half49-40Melian Martinez makes 2-foot dunk (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half51-40AJ Bates makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half51-43Kaden Metheny makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brett Decker Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half51-45Josh Smith makes driving layup (JJ Harper assists)
- 2nd Half51-47Zach Cleveland makes 7-foot hook shot (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 2nd Half53-47Avery Thomas II makes layup (Kaden Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half53-48JJ Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-49JJ Harper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-49AJ Bates makes 23-foot three point jumper (Will Allen assists)
- 2nd Half56-52Josh Smith makes 22-foot three point jumper (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half59-52AJ Bates makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half59-54Zach Cleveland makes layup (JJ Harper assists)
- 2nd Half61-54Avery Thomas II makes layup (Jaylen Fenner assists)
- 2nd Half61-55Josh Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-55Avery Thomas II makes 3-foot dunk (Kaden Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half63-58Kaden Metheny makes 26-foot three point jumper (Colin Porter assists)
- 2nd Half65-58Will Allen makes layup (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half65-59JJ Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-60JJ Harper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-63Brett Decker Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half65-64Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-65Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-65AJ Bates makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-65AJ Bates makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65Avery Thomas II makes layup
- 2nd Half71-65Jaylen Fenner makes driving layup (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half71-68Colin Porter makes 22-foot three point jumper (JJ Harper assists)
- 2nd Half73-68Jaylen Fenner makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half74-68Jaylen Fenner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half76-68Jaylen Fenner makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half76-71Brett Decker Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zach Cleveland assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Liberty Flames, below favours Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
Venue
- Liberty Arena (VA)Lynchburg, VA
- Attendance3134
- OfficialsRoger Ayers, Chris Ford, Olandis Poole
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