Liberty Women's Basketball Defeat Defending WAC Champion 72-44

Liberty's women's basketball team displayed a powerful defensive performance, defeating California Baptist University (CBU) 72-44 in their first matchup at Liberty Arena. CBU, coming off a strong season with an average of 80.3 points per game, struggled to find rhythm, marking their first 0-2 season start since 1993-94. Shooting just 28.8 percent overall and only 17.2 percent from beyond the arc, CBU fell below 50 points for the first time since early 2020.

Liberty’s inside-outside combination, Bella Smuda and Asia Boone, led the charge. Boone topped the scoring with 16 points and three steals, hitting three of seven from deep,

while Smuda delivered a double-double of 10 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks.

Liberty’s depth showed as 12 players contributed to the scoreboard, with highlights from Pien Steenbergen (8 points, 3 steals), Caroline Shiery (7 points, 5 rebounds), and Emma Hess (7 points, 5 rebounds).

Despite shooting 40% from the floor, Liberty dominated key stats, holding Cal Baptist to 29% shooting and out rebounded CBU on the boards 52-33. Liberty's defense forced 19 turnovers, turning them into 22 points, while scoring 27 points off the bench.

A game-changing 21-3 run early in the second quarter set Liberty's lead at 27-8. Boone led this run with 11 points, including three triples, helping the Lady Flames keep a double-digit lead for the rest of the game.

The Lady Flames will play their next three games on the road, starting off with a Nov. 16 visit to Tennessee (2-0). Tipoff is scheduled for noon and will be televised on SEC Network+.