LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) Caleb Homesley scored 18 points and Kyle Rode scored 12 and Liberty Flames defeated Radford Highlanders 66-60 on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

Liberty built a 33-19 lead at intermission on 13-of-25 shooting that included 6 of 13 from 3-point range. The Highlanders got back into it and closed to within 45-41 on a three-point play by Carlik Jones with 5:06 left to play but never got closer.

Jones scored a career-high 31 points and had six rebounds for the Highlanders. Travis Fields Jr. added 15 points and Donald Hicks pulled six rebounds.

Liberty takes on Maryland Eastern Shore at home on Sunday. Radford matches up against Bridgewater (VA) at home on Tuesday.

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