CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) David Berghoefer scored 22 points and Antonio Russell added 18 as Western Carolina beat Liberty 75-63 Wednesday night.
Western Carolina (3-5) shot just 39.1 percent from the field and sank just 18-of-28 free throws, but stayed in the game thanks to 18 offensive rebounds and Liberty's 20 turnovers. Berghoefer had six steals.
Liberty (0-3) made 3-of-4 free throws in the 1:42 before halftime to close Western Carolina's lead to 32-27 at the break.
The Catamount lead stayed in double digits until Liberty's Larry Blair drained a 3-pointer with 4:37 left to make it 63-55.
David Dees scored 16 points and pulled down seven rebounds for Liberty, while Larry Blair had 15 points and six boards. Rell Porter and Rashad Robinson each added seven rebounds for the Flame.
