Liberty wins Big South again, 81-73 over HPU

HIGH POINT, N.C. (AP)Liberty coach Carey Green probably shouldnt be as bad at celebrating as he says he is. Through the years, his Flames have given him plenty of chances to practice.

Devon Brown had 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Liberty pulled away late to beat High Point 81-73 on Sunday and win the Big South tournament for the 14th time in 16 years.

Avery Warley added 14 points and 12 rebounds despite prolonged foul trouble, while Brown was 6 of 23 shooting. The Flames (24-8) built a 56-39 rebounding advantage and used a late 22-9 run to return to the NCAA tournament after a one-year absence.

Greens record in the league tournament improved to 35-2 in his 13th year.

Its March Madness, and its a dream come true for our team that were in the tournament, Green said. As a coach, Im the worlds worst at celebrating because Im always looking for whats the next challenge. I would hope that I could lead this team into celebration and take a sigh of relief and enjoy the moment and refocus.

Erin Reynolds scored 27 points, Shamia Brown added 23 and Cheyenne Parker had 12 rebounds for the Panthers (20-12). They had their leading rebounder and scorer foul out during a span of five secondsand the game got away from them shortly thereafter.

Theres a reason theyve won as many championships as they have, first-year High Point coach Jennifer Hoover said. Youve got to give them credit. Were getting there. Were still a work in progress.

Shamia Browns stickback with 11 1/2 minutes left put High Point up 53-48 before LaKendra Washingtons three-point play on the Flames next trip downcourt started the big run.

Reagan Miller gave Liberty the lead for good when her drive with 8 1/2 minutes to play made it 57-56. High Point managed only one tie after that, on Reynolds 3-pointer with 7:45 left that made it 59-all. Tolu Omotola then followed that with a layupoff Millers no-look passto put the Flames back on top.

They took firm control of the momentum during a series of whistles that began with Liberty up 65-62 with 4:39 left.

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Liberty wins Big South again, 81-73 over HPU