LYNCHBURG, Va. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a stunning reversal of momentum, the Liberty Flames survived a furious second-half rally by the New Mexico State Aggies to escape with a 73-71 victory in a Conference USA men’s basketball thriller Thursday night at Vines Center.

Liberty, which entered as heavy favorites and improved to 14-3, appeared poised for a comfortable win after a dominant first half. The Flames shot a blistering 63% from the field before halftime, building a 46-29 lead behind balanced scoring and crisp ball movement. The Aggies, who fell to 9-7, struggled to find consistent offense, shooting just 39% in the opening period.

The most important part of the game, however, was the dramatic and complete shift that followed intermission. New Mexico State emerged from the locker room with renewed defensive intensity, switching to a more aggressive scheme that disrupted Liberty’s rhythm. The Flames, who had been so fluid offensively, went cold, managing only 27 points in the second half on 32% shooting.

Fueled by their defense, the Aggies mounted a relentless comeback. Anthony Wrzeszcz, a guard from Gdynia, Poland, ignited the run with several key three-pointers, finishing with 16 points. Jemel Jones of Chicago added 15 points and was instrumental on both ends, while Elijah Elliott provided a spark off the bench with 12 points. New Mexico State methodically chipped away at the deficit, leveraging an 11-4 advantage in offensive rebounds to create extra possessions.

The Aggies finally drew even at 70-70 with 1:28 remaining on a clutch three-pointer from Wrzeszcz, assisted by Chris Terrell. The comeback set the stage for a tense final minute. After Liberty’s Zach Cleveland hit two free throws to put the Flames up 72-70, New Mexico State’s Jae’Coby Osborne answered with a layup to tie the game again at 72 with 38 seconds left.

On the ensuing possession, Liberty worked the clock before a shot clock violation gave the ball back to New Mexico State with 6.6 seconds remaining. Out of a timeout, the Aggies inbounded but could not get a clean look, as Jemel Jones’s contested three-point attempt at the buzzer missed.

A foul was called on the rebound attempt, sending Liberty’s Josh Smith to the free throw line with 0.1 seconds on the clock. Smith made the first free throw to break the tie and intentionally missed the second, securing the narrow victory as time expired.

Liberty was led by JJ Harper’s 17 points, while Brett Decker also scored 17. Zach Cleveland filled the stat sheet with 11 points and seven assists, and Josh Smith contributed 14 points, including the decisive free throw.

The game was a tale of two halves statistically. Liberty finished the game shooting 54% overall and hit 14 of 18 free throws. New Mexico State, despite the loss, won several efficiency battles, shooting 44% and making 11 three-pointers to Liberty’s seven. The Aggies also forced the Flames into a rare season-high 18 turnovers while committing only six themselves, but Liberty’s early cushion and late composure at the line proved just enough.

The win keeps Liberty near the top of the Conference USA standings, while New Mexico State’s valiant effort, following a close loss to Middle Tennessee last Saturday, shows a team capable of competing with the league’s best despite the defeat.

Liberty is scheduled to host UTEP on Saturday. New Mexico State travels to face Delaware on Saturday.