Pacheco-Ortiz leads Liberty past Alabama State 87-70 (Dec 22, 2017)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz scored 19 points and Liberty took control in the first half to defeat Alabama State 87-70 in the consolation game of the New Orleans Shootout on Friday.

Scottie James added 14 points on 5-of-5 shooting for the Flames (9-4) and Ryan Kemrite and Caleb Homesley scored 11 apiece.

Liberty shot 53 percent (14 of 27) in the first half despite going 2 for 10 from 3-point range, to take a 35-23 lead. A 10-0 run had the Flames up 11 six minutes into the game. The Hornets (0-12) stayed within 12 because they made more points from the foul line (12 for 16) than the field (5 for 22), where they were 1 of 10 behind the arc.

Alabama State heated up in the second half, with 14 field goals, five 3s, and 14 points from the foul line, but the Flames were even better. They were 54 percent from the field (14 of 26), including 7 of 13 behind the arc, and went 17 of 22 from the foul line.

Ed Jones led the Hornets with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Jacoby Ross had 14 and Reginald Gee 12.