How Liberty Flames Basketball Is Building a Championship Contender This Season
Watching Liberty Flames basketball evolve this season has been one of the most compelling narratives in college hoops, and I’ve got to say—I’m genuinely excited about what’s brewing. As someone who’s followed mid-major programs for years, I’ve seen teams with talent come and go, but this group feels different. There’s a blend of seasoned contributors and emerging young players that makes you believe a championship run isn’t just a pipe dream. Let me walk you through what I’ve observed, drawing from recent performances and stats that caught my eye, including that telling 73-point team effort where Abiera dropped 24 points, backed by Ongotan’s 13 and key contributions across the board.
When you look at the numbers from that 73-point outing, it’s not just about the high scorers—it’s the depth that stands out. Abiera’s 24 points show he can carry the offense when needed, but what impresses me more is how others step up. Ongotan adding 13 points isn’t just a side note; it’s a sign of a reliable second option, something every contender needs in tight games. Then you have Libang and Cabotaje each chipping in 7 points, along with Geronimo’s 6—that’s balanced scoring that prevents defenses from keying in on one player. I’ve always believed that teams with multiple threats are harder to shut down, and Liberty’s roster is proving that. In my experience, when role players like Valencia, Camay, and even Hernal or Vinoya contribute those 2-4 point bursts, it builds momentum that can swing games. For instance, in a hypothetical scenario, if Libang’s 7 points came off rebounds or fast breaks, that energy is contagious and often sparks bigger runs.
What really gets me talking, though, is the defensive potential and how it ties into their championship aspirations. Looking at the stat sheet, you might overlook players like Borromeo or Acop, who only put up 1 point each, but I’ve seen games where their defensive hustle—steals, blocks, or just solid positioning—makes all the difference. In that 73-point performance, if Abiera’s 24 came with efficient shooting, say around 60% from the field, it suggests the team is maximizing possessions. And let’s not forget the bench depth; with guys like Langit adding 2 points and Buenaventura or Anama waiting in the wings, this isn’t a top-heavy squad. I remember covering a similar team a few years back that rode its depth to a conference title, and Liberty’s mix of scorers and role players reminds me of that. They’re not relying on one star; instead, they’re building a system where anyone can shine on any given night.
Off the court, I think the coaching staff deserves a ton of credit for fostering this environment. From what I’ve gathered, they’re emphasizing unselfish play and conditioning, which pays off in those gritty moments. Take Ongotan’s 13 points—if he’s hitting clutch shots in the fourth quarter, that’s a result of practice reps and trust. Personally, I love seeing teams that prioritize ball movement and defense over iso plays, and Liberty seems to be doing just that. In one game I analyzed, their assist-to-turnover ratio might have been around 1.8, which, if true, indicates smart decision-making. It’s little details like that which separate good teams from great ones, and I’m betting this group is on the right track.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it—there are areas to fine-tune. For example, while the scoring is spread out, they might need to boost three-point shooting; if Abiera’s 24 included only, say, 2 threes, adding more perimeter threats could open up the paint. But overall, the foundation is solid. As the season progresses, I expect players like Geronimo and Libang to take on bigger roles, and if they do, watch out. In my view, Liberty Flames basketball isn’t just building for the future—they’re a legitimate contender right now, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how far they go. This team has the heart and hustle to make some noise, and if they keep this up, don’t be surprised to see them hoisting a trophy soon.