Harper, Cleveland lead Liberty over New Mexico State, 77-75

The Liberty Flames secured a narrow 77-75 victory against the New Mexico State Aggies on Thursday night at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces after forward Zach Cleveland converted a game-winning jump shot with just one second remaining on the clock. The high-stakes Conference USA matchup saw the Flames overcome a resilient Aggies squad, largely driven by a standout performance from JJ Harper, who anchored the offense to ensure Liberty maintained its standing in the conference race. The victory came down to the wire in a hostile road environment, highlighting the team's ability to execute under pressure in the final seconds of regulation. JJ Harper was the statistical leader for the Flames, contributing 19 points through efficient shooting and aggressive play that repeatedly challenged the New Mexico State defense. While Harper provided the consistent scoring volume throughout the game, it was Cleveland’s late-game heroics that defined the outcome. As the clock wound down in a tie game, Cleveland maintained his composure to find his spot and sink the decisive jumper, leaving the Aggies with almost no time to formulate a counter-attack. This duo proved to be the difference-maker in a contest where both teams shot effectively from the floor. For New Mexico State, the loss is a heartbreaking result following a late-game rally that nearly forced overtime. The Aggies showcased depth and tenacity, trading baskets with Liberty for much of the second half, but they were unable to get a final stop against Cleveland in the closing possession. For Liberty, this win serves as a critical morale booster and a testament to their late-game execution strategies. The Flames now look forward to carrying this momentum into their upcoming schedule, while the Aggies must recalibrate after coming within inches of an upset victory.