Liberty leads most of way, beats Kent State 77-70

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KENT, Ohio (AP) — Caleb Homesley came off the bench and scored 16 points to lead five players in double-figure scoring and Liberty to a 77-70 victory over Kent State on Friday night.

Homesley scored 12 points in the second half and finished 7-of-13 shooting with eight rebounds. Keenan Gumbs added 13 points for Liberty (3-0). Scottie James, Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz and Lovell Cabbil Jr. each chipped in 11 points. James finished with a game-high nine rebounds.

Jalen Avery scored 23 points to lead Kent State (2-1). Philip Whittington had 14 points and C.J. Williamson added 12.

The Flames led nearly the entire game and had an eight-point lead at halftime. Kent State pulled to 55-49 with eight minutes left. James answered with a layup and 3-pointer to spark a 12-2 run and the Golden Flashes didn't get closer. Darius McGhee capped the surge with a 3-pointer with five minutes remaining.

It was the first meeting between the schools.