LIBERTY VS MCNEESE

PHOTO BY: @billkiser / @vidaily.news

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas – Colin Porter turned in a team-high 13 points, while Jayvon Maughmer and Isaiah Ihnen both added 12, leading the way as the Liberty Flames (6-1) captured the 2024 Paradise Jam championship with a thrilling 62-58 win over McNeese (3-4) on Monday evening. 

Neither team was able to create much separation in the opening half, as after Liberty opened up a seven-point advantage (24-17) with 6:43 to play in the half, McNeese charged back, eventually knotting the game at 29-29 at halftime. 

McNeese took its first lead since the 12 minute mark on the first possession of the second half, but Liberty pushed ahead again, using a 9-0 run to take a seven-point (40-33) lead with 14:42 to play. The Flames continued to heat up, pushing the lead to double figures (46-35) after a 3-pointer by Taelon Peter, and never trailed again. 

The 2024 Paradise Jam All-Tournament Team includes: 

Christian Shumate, McNeese
Coleman Hawkins, K-State
Kyrell Luc, Longwood
Sincere Parker, McNeese
Kaden Metheny, Liberty
Colin Porter, Liberty (MVP)

McNeese returns home for a matchup against Santa Clara on Tuesday, December 3, while Liberty hosts Central Penn on Friday, Nov. 29. 

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