In Huntsville, Alabama, Emma Hess made a significant contribution to Liberty’s victory over Middle Tennessee by sinking a crucial three-pointer from a distance, extending Liberty’s lead to six points as the clock ticked down in the final minute. Additionally, she secured the win by making two free throws right before the buzzer, sealing a 53-48 triumph that not only crowned them Conference USA Tournament champions but also punched their ticket to the NCAA tournament.
With this win, Liberty, the top seed, earned their 18th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, marking their first since 2018. It also signified their inaugural Conference USA championship title since joining the league for the 2023-24 season. This victory brought their total wins for the season to 26, only the second time they have reached such a tally in the past decade.
Liberty controlled the game, reaching a six-point advantage early in the fourth quarter, which Hess reinforced with a three-pointer from well beyond the arc with just 1:10 remaining. Middle Tennessee’s Jalynn Gregory countered with a three-pointer from the top of the key, narrowing the gap with 45 seconds left on the clock. Following a missed jumper by Liberty’s Asia Boone, Middle Tennessee had an opportunity with 28 seconds remaining. Nevertheless, when Gregory attempted a shot from the corner, she misstepped and went out of bounds with just eight seconds on the clock, dashing their comeback hopes.
Hess stood out for the Flames, hitting 3 of 7 attempts from beyond the arc and finishing with 14 points. Asia Boone offered support with 11 points, while Bella Smuda, a fifth-year senior, achieved a double-double, contributing 10 points and 13 rebounds to the team’s effort.
Middle Tennessee’s Ta’Mia Scott delivered a commendable performance as well, leading her team, the No. 2 seed, with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, teammate Anastasiia Boldyreva contributed with 12 points and eight rebounds, though their efforts were not enough to overcome Liberty’s strong finish.
