LIBERTY – The Liberty Redhawks varsity boys basketball team showed resiliency as they came from behind for an exciting win versus the visiting Port Jervis Red Raiders on January 29.

Port Jervis jumped out to a two-point lead at the end of the first period, by utilizing deadly outside shooting. Liberty kept pace with a strong defense that caused turnovers leading to fast break points.

Spurred on from their fast break success, the Redhawks’ offense came together in the second period allowing them to catch up and surpass Port Jervis 30–26 by the end of the first half.

Port Jervis turned the tables on Liberty in the second half, using an inspired defensive to force the Redhawks into turnovers, bad passes, producing easy fast break points for the visiting team.

  With 3:45 left in the game, Liberty found themselves down by three and having to fight to stay close to the well-balanced Port Jervis squad. The Redhawks were forced to take a time out to regroup. 

Liberty Head Coach Matt Robinson said, “It wasn’t about drawing up any plays, it was about getting our focus back and playing our game, which is about defense and making it very difficult for the opposing team to score.”

That time out made all the difference. Liberty’s defense quickly took charge, putting pressure on Port Jervis and forcing them to take poor shots. They effectively prevented the Red Raiders from scoring and even caused a shot clock violation resulting in a turnover.

The Redhawks also scored clutch baskets. The first was a wild spinning fade away 3-pointer from Adrien Ferguson to tie it up, followed by a layup from Zack Alvord off a slick back cut.  Tyleal Aubain scored baskets down the stretch that helped seal their 59–53 victory.