WESTCHESTER, Fla. (Interstat) — In a chaotic, back-and-forth Conference USA men’s basketball battle that required overtime to decide, the Liberty Flames outlasted the Florida International Golden Panthers 97-94 on Sunday at Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 399, saw Liberty squander a 14-point second-half lead before regrouping in the extra period to secure its ninth win of the season against three losses. Florida International fell to 7-5.

The contest was defined by dramatic shifts in momentum. Liberty, the visiting team, controlled the first half with efficient perimeter shooting and led 41-33 at the break. The Flames extended their advantage to 14 points early in the second half, but the Golden Panthers, fueled by a dominant interior presence, mounted a relentless comeback.

Florida International’s surge was keyed by its work in the paint, where it outscored Liberty 56-40 for the game. The Golden Panthers chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half, finally drawing even and forcing overtime with a frantic final sequence. With just 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation and Liberty clinging to a two-point lead, Florida International’s Corey Stephenson sank a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game at 82 and send the home crowd into a frenzy.

The most critical phase of the game, however, unfolded in the overtime period. After the emotional high of Stephenson’s tying shot, Liberty steadied itself. The Flames scored the first five points of overtime and never relinquished the lead, though Florida International kept the pressure on until the final possession.

Liberty’s backcourt duo of Kaden Metheny and Brett Decker proved too much for the Golden Panthers to contain. Metheny, a guard from Morgantown, West Virginia, led all scorers with 25 points, adding six assists over 41 minutes of action. Decker, from Cecilia, Kentucky, was equally vital, pouring in 27 points. Colin Porter of Liberty facilitated the offense with 16 points and seven assists.

Florida International was paced by a strong performance from center Eric Dibami of Yaounde, Cameroon, who scored 21 points and was a constant threat inside. Hamed Olayinka of Los Angeles provided a spark off the bench with 16 points, while Zawdie Jackson of Stone Mountain, Georgia, added 13 points and four assists.

Despite the loss, Florida International won several statistical battles, including points in the paint and fastbreak points. However, Liberty’s composure in the extra session and its ability to convert from the perimeter — a stark contrast to the Golden Panthers’ interior focus — ultimately made the difference.

The victory extends Liberty’s winning streak to three games as it heads into conference play. The Flames will host Kennesaw State next on Jan. 2. Florida International, which saw a two-game win streak snapped, will open its Conference USA home slate against New Mexico State on the same date.