Florida International Panthers @ Liberty Flames
Liberty defeats Florida International 78-69
LYNCHBURG, Va. -- — Kyle Rode's 19 points helped Liberty defeat Florida International 78-69 on Thursday night.
Rode had eight rebounds and five assists for the Flames (12-7, 1/3 Conference USA). Kaden Metheny added 18 points while going 6 of 12 (6 for 10 from 3-point range), and he also had six assists. Brody Peebles had 12 points and shot 4 for 9 (2 for 6 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free throw line.
Javaunte Hawkins led the Panthers (7-12, 2-2) in scoring, finishing with 24 points. Arturo Dean added 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Florida International. Seth Pinkney also had eight points.
Liberty took the lead with 5:59 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 36-29 at halftime, with Metheny racking up nine points. Rode scored a team-high 10 points after halftime.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Game Information
Lynchburg, VA
Referee:Roger Ayers
Referee:Gary Maxwell
Referee:Olandis Poole
2025-26 Standings
| Conference USAConference USA | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 17-3 | - | 26-8 |
| Sam Houston | 13-7 | 4 | 22-12 |
| Louisiana Tech | 11-9 | 6 | 20-14 |
| Western Kentucky | 11-9 | 6 | 18-14 |
| Middle Tennessee | 11-9 | 6 | 17-15 |
| Kennesaw State | 10-10 | 7 | 21-14 |
| Jacksonville State | 10-10 | 7 | 15-17 |
| New Mexico State | 8-12 | 9 | 16-16 |
| Missouri State | 8-12 | 9 | 16-18 |
| Florida International | 8-12 | 9 | 15-17 |
| UTEP | 7-13 | 10 | 11-20 |
| Delaware | 6-14 | 11 | 10-21 |
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