Pacheco-Ortiz scores 17, leads Liberty past Howard, 75-55

LYNCHBURG, Va. -- Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz had a season-high 17 points and Scottie James had his second-consecutive double-double to help Liberty beat Howard 75-55 on Monday night.

Pacheco-Ortiz made 6 of 7 from the field, grabbed five rebounds and had four assists, while James had 14 points, on 5-of-7 shooting, and 10 rebounds. Caleb Homesley scored 15 points, Ryan Kemrite added 11 and freshman Elijah Cuffee tied his career high with 10 points for Liberty (5-2).

Lovell Cabbil and Kemrite each hit a 3-pointer before Pacheco-Ortiz made a jumper as the Flames took a 10-0 lead. Homesley scored eight points, including two 3s, during a 20-7 run that made it 32-14 before taking a 19-point lead into the break. Howard (0-7) trailed by at least 16 points throughout the second half.

Charles Williams had 13 points and RJ Coles scored 12 for the Bison.

Liberty shot 50 percent from the field, including 10 of 25 from 3-point range. Howard was 20-of-51 (39 percent) shooting and made just 9 of 17 from the free-throw line.