The Liberty Flames topped the FIU Panthers in dramatic fashion, 90-89 in overtime for their 17th straight win. The Flames claim at least a share of the CUSA regular season title with the triumph. It's the kind of game that has fans on their feet and heart rates through the roof - and Liberty delivered exactly that on Thursday night.
The Flames trailed by five, 80-75, with less than 40 seconds to play in regulation before evening the game and forcing overtime. Zach Cleveland scored 18 points, five in overtime, as Liberty defeated Florida International 90-89 on Thursday. Down the stretch, Liberty showed the composure of a team built for these moments. The Panthers had a chance to win the game as time expired in overtime, but Corey Stephenson's look from straight on hit off the back rim. One inch either way and the story changes completely - that's basketball.
With the victory, Liberty remains perfect in conference play at 15-0 while also sporting an unblemished 13-0 home mark. The Flames (15-0 CUSA) hold a five-game lead over second place Sam Houston (10-5 CUSA) with five games to play, meaning they can earn the outright regular season title for a second straight year with either a win on Saturday over Western Kentucky or a Sam Houston loss to Jacksonville State Saturday. Liberty has now claimed 20 straight games (including postseason) in conference play, the longest league winning streak in the nation. That kind of dominance doesn't happen by accident - it's the product of relentless execution and mental toughness.
Both regular season games this year between the Flames and Panthers went to overtime and were decided by a combined four points. This is the first time in Flames basketball history that they have defeated the same team in overtime twice in the same season. The rivalry is shaping up to be something special, and Liberty's poise under pressure proves why they're the conference's dominant force right now. For more college basketball drama, check out UMass's heartbreaker against Miami (Ohio).