Ultimately, Liberty got what it wanted Thursday in the opening round of its own C.W. Stessman Invitational at Cokely Field House.

The Blue Jays survived 77-53 against a pesky Summit Christian squad.

With the win, Liberty, 11-2, advanced to the semifinals against Springfield Kickapoo, but it was far from easy.

The Jays, who are ranked 10th in The Stars big-class poll, actually trailed 35-34 more than a minute into the third quarter after a layup by Eagles junior Donovan Kim.

It was still a three-point game 47-44 late in the period after consecutive baskets by Summit Christian senior Henry Stratton, but Liberty would seize control with an 11-0 run.

Junior Brandon Moultrie splashed a 3-pointer to ignite the spurt, which also included consecutive three-point plays by senior Kwaku Duah.

We got some better shots in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, and hit some perimeter shots, which was key, Jays coach Roger Stirtz said.

At that point, Summit Christian, 10-5, which used a two-man bench the majority of the game, simply wore down and never again pulled closer than 10 points.

My guys always play hard tonight and played together, Eagles coach Jake Kates said. We gave them a little scare for three quarters before we ran out of steam, but Im proud of them.

The Jays threatened to pull away in the first half when senior Eric Greelys dunk energized the crowd and sparked a tie-breaking 6-0 run, but Eagles senior Taurin Hughes, who scored a game-high 20, staunched the bleeding.

The rest is here:

Liberty pulls away late for win over Summit Christian