Liberty Flames Edge New Mexico State Aggies in Close Contest
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Liberty Arena (VA)
Liberty Flames 73, New Mexico State Aggies 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 New Mexico State Aggies vs Liberty Flames?
Liberty Flames beat New Mexico State Aggies 73-71 at Liberty Arena (VA) on January 15, 2026.
Who was favored in New Mexico State Aggies vs Liberty Flames?
Liberty Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -455 (about 82% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup, the Liberty Flames narrowly defeated the New Mexico State Aggies with a final score of 73-71. This game showcased the Flames' strong home advantage at Liberty Arena in Virginia, where they have a record of 14-3 this season. Liberty's recent form has been impressive, winning eight of their last ten games, including a seven-game winning streak leading into this contest. They averaged 77.0 points scored and allowed 69.3 points during this stretch, indicating a solid offensive and defensive performance.
On the other hand, the New Mexico State Aggies, with a record of 9-7, have struggled recently, winning only four of their last ten games. They entered this game on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in their previous outing. In those last ten games, the Aggies averaged 77.3 points scored and allowed 70.7 points, showing they can score but have had issues on defense.
Liberty's home record stands at 4-0 in their last four games, while New Mexico State has struggled on the road, with an away record of 0-4. The Flames' ability to perform well at home has been a key factor in their success this season. In their previous meetings, Liberty has maintained dominance over New Mexico State, winning both encounters in the 2025 season, including a 68-60 victory at home and a 64-54 win away.
In terms of player performance, the game featured several critical moments. JaeCoby Osborne contributed significantly, making a driving layup that brought the Aggies within two points late in the second half. JJ Harper also made a notable contribution with a 26-foot three-point jumper, extending Liberty's lead at a crucial moment. The game saw several lead changes and close scoring plays, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The market reflected Liberty's strong position, with DraftKings listing the Flames as 8.5-point favorites, and the money line set at -455 for Liberty and +350 for New Mexico State. The total for the game was set at 145.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring affair.
As the game progressed, the conditions played a role, with both teams battling for every point. Liberty's ability to convert free throws in the closing moments, particularly from Zach Cleveland, proved vital in securing the win. The Flames' home crowd provided an electric atmosphere, which likely contributed to their performance.
Overall, this contest was a testament to Liberty's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while New Mexico State will need to regroup and address their road struggles as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIB -8.5 | 145.5 o -105 / u -115 | New Mexico State Aggies +350 · Liberty Flames -455 |
Leaders
- PointsJJ Harper17Liberty Flames
- AssistsZach Cleveland7Liberty Flames
- ReboundsZach Cleveland6Liberty Flames
- PointsAnthony Wrzeszcz16New Mexico State Aggies
- AssistsChris Terrell5New Mexico State Aggies
- ReboundsJae'Coby Osborne12New Mexico State Aggies
Recent form
Liberty Flames
Last 10: 8-2Streak W777 scored · 69.3 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W82-74at Sam Houston BearkatsJan 10
- W72-56at Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 9
- 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
New Mexico State Aggies
Last 10: 4-6Streak L177.3 scored · 70.7 allowed per game0-4 away
- L55-59vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 11
- W80-64vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 9
- L82-89at Missouri State BearsJan 4
- L74-89at Florida International PanthersJan 2
- W104-33vs Southwest MustangsDec 28
- W87-78vs Sam Houston BearkatsDec 21
- L70-83vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 13
- L69-77at Abilene Christian WildcatsDec 6
- L75-77at South Alabama JaguarsDec 3
- W77-58vs Georgia State PanthersNov 26
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 | New Mexico State Aggies | Liberty Flames |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-61 | 26-48 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 11-25 | 7-15 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 47 |
| Free throws | 2-4 | 14-18 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 22 |
| Assists | 13 | 16 |
| Steals | 3 | 3 |
| Blocks | 4 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 38 |
| Fouls | 16 | 8 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 7 | 89 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-41Brett Decker Jr. makes layup (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 1st Half27-41Julius Mims makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 1st Half27-43Kaden Metheny makes driving layup
- 1st Half29-43Jemel Jones makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 1st Half29-46Brett Decker Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 2nd Half31-46JaeCoby Osborne makes layup
- 2nd Half33-46Elijah Elliott makes layup
- 2nd Half35-46Elijah Elliott makes 8-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half35-47Zach Cleveland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-48Zach Cleveland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-48JaeCoby Osborne makes layup
- 2nd Half39-48Jemel Jones makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half42-48Anthony Wrzeszcz makes 27-foot three point jumper (Chris Terrell assists)
- 2nd Half42-50JJ Harper makes layup (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half45-50Anthony Wrzeszcz makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chris Terrell assists)
- 2nd Half45-52Kaden Metheny makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-52Anthony Wrzeszcz makes 27-foot three point jumper (Julius Mims assists)
- 2nd Half48-55Brett Decker Jr. makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half51-55Chris Terrell makes 26-foot three point jumper (Julius Mims assists)
- 2nd Half51-57Josh Smith makes layup (Colin Porter assists)
- 2nd Half53-57Julius Mims makes layup (Chris Terrell assists)
- 2nd Half53-59Josh Smith makes layup (Colin Porter assists)
- 2nd Half53-60Brett Decker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-60Jemel Jones makes 26-foot three point jumper (Chris Terrell assists)
- 2nd Half58-60JaeCoby Osborne makes layup
- 2nd Half60-60Anthony Wrzeszcz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-62Zach Cleveland makes 4-foot dunk (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 2nd Half60-63JJ Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-64JJ Harper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-66Brett Decker Jr. makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-66Chris Terrell makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half63-67Zach Cleveland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-67JaeCoby Osborne makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-70JJ Harper makes 26-foot three point jumper (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half66-70Jemel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70Anthony Wrzeszcz makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chris Terrell assists)
- 2nd Half69-71Zach Cleveland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Zach Cleveland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-72JaeCoby Osborne makes layup (Jemel Jones assists)
- 2nd Half71-73Josh Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Liberty Flames, below favours New Mexico State Aggies.
Venue
- Liberty Arena (VA)Lynchburg, VA
- Attendance2580
- OfficialsDoug Shows, Brian Dorsey, Wil Howard
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