Ultimately, Liberty got what it wanted Thursday in the opening round of its own C.W. Stessman Invitational at Cokely Field House. <\/p>\n
The Blue Jays survived 77-53 against a pesky Summit Christian squad. <\/p>\n
With the win, Liberty, 11-2, advanced to the semifinals against Springfield Kickapoo, but it was far from easy. <\/p>\n
The Jays, who are ranked 10th in The Stars big-class poll, actually trailed 35-34 more than a minute into the third quarter after a layup by Eagles junior Donovan Kim. <\/p>\n
It was still a three-point game 47-44 late in the period after consecutive baskets by Summit Christian senior Henry Stratton, but Liberty would seize control with an 11-0 run. <\/p>\n
Junior Brandon Moultrie splashed a 3-pointer to ignite the spurt, which also included consecutive three-point plays by senior Kwaku Duah. <\/p>\n
We got some better shots in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, and hit some perimeter shots, which was key, Jays coach Roger Stirtz said. <\/p>\n
At that point, Summit Christian, 10-5, which used a two-man bench the majority of the game, simply wore down and never again pulled closer than 10 points. <\/p>\n
My guys always play hard tonight and played together, Eagles coach Jake Kates said. We gave them a little scare for three quarters before we ran out of steam, but Im proud of them. <\/p>\n
The Jays threatened to pull away in the first half when senior Eric Greelys dunk energized the crowd and sparked a tie-breaking 6-0 run, but Eagles senior Taurin Hughes, who scored a game-high 20, staunched the bleeding. <\/p>\n
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The rest is here: <\/p>\n
Liberty pulls away late for win over Summit Christian<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ultimately, Liberty got what it wanted Thursday in the opening round of its own C.W. Stessman Invitational at Cokely Field House. The Blue Jays survived 77-53 against a pesky Summit Christian squad. Continue reading