LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — Zach Cleveland orchestrated a dominant offensive performance with 13 assists and Liberty overwhelmed Coppin State from the opening tip, cruising to a 92-50 victory in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Vines Center.

The Flames (6-2) never trailed, scoring the game’s first 10 points and building a 55-23 halftime lead. Their offensive efficiency was staggering, shooting 58.1% from the field and 53.3% from three-point range. Coppin State (2-9), meanwhile, struggled mightily, making only 28.6% of its shots.

The most important part of the game was Liberty’s immediate and overwhelming start, which effectively decided the contest within the first ten minutes. The Flames opened with a 23-5 run, fueled by precise ball movement and stifling defense. Coppin State missed 12 of its first 13 shots and committed five early turnovers, allowing Liberty to establish a pace and rhythm from which the Eagles never recovered.

Cleveland, a 6-foot-7 junior from Bloomington, Illinois, was the catalyst. Beyond his season-high 13 assists, he added eight points, seven rebounds and four blocks, controlling the game on both ends. His passing carved up the Coppin State defense, leading to easy baskets inside and open three-pointers.

Liberty’s scoring was balanced, with five players reaching double figures. Brett Decker led all scorers with 20 points, hitting six three-pointers. JJ Harper and Josh Smith each scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Kaden Metheny contributed 13 points and seven assists.

For Coppin State, Nelson Lamizana scored 13 points and Taj Thweatt added 11. The Eagles were outscored 38-18 in the paint and gave up 18 points off their 13 turnovers.

Liberty’s offensive rating of 134.7 on 68 possessions underscored its clinical performance, while Coppin State managed a rating of just 69.9.

The Flames have won three of their last four games and will travel to face North Carolina State on Wednesday. Coppin State, which has lost four straight, visits Saint Joseph’s on Tuesday.