Lady Flames hold off Middle Tennessee 53-48 for First CUSA Title

In a rematch of the 2024 CUSA Women’s Basketball Championship title game, No. 1 seed Liberty turned the tables on two-time defending champion No. 2 seed Middle Tennessee. The Lady Flames came out victorious in a 53-48 defensive struggle for their first CUSA title, Saturday at Propst Arena.

Liberty (26-6) will take an 11-game winning streak into its 18th NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship appearance but its first since 2018. Emma Hess scored a team-high 14 points, including the Lady Flames’ last five of the contest. Meanwhile, Tournament MVP Bella Smuda (10 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks) and All-Tournament Team member Asia Boone (11 points, 3-6 3FG) joined her in double digits.

Middle Tennessee (26-8) got 23 points and 10 rebounds from All-Tournament Team pick Ta’Mia Scott. But the Blue Raiders shot just 33.3 percent (18-of-54) and were outrebounded 42-30.

Join the Flames in finding out where they are going for March Madness on Sunday, March 16 at 8 p.m. at Liberty Arena for a selection show viewing party! Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. for this free event. NCAA ticket information will be available at LibertyFlames.com/MarchMadness.