Evan Gordon scored 23 points while John Brown had 18 points and 17 rebounds to lead Liberty to an 82-65 season-opening win over Virginia Intermont on Friday night.
The Cobras (0-4), who play in the NAIA, kept the first half close as neither team shot well from the floor.
The game was tied at 22 with 8:11 left in the first half, then Liberty went on a 15-6 run.
Virginia Intermont closed the gap to 63-54 with 5:50 left, but the Flames quickly regained their double-digit lead.
Although the Cobras outshot Liberty from the field, 42.1 percent to 37.2 percent, they were only 1 for 19 from 3-point range compared to 6 for 27 for the Flames.
Liberty also outrebounded Virginia Intermont 54-35 and forced 21 turnovers.
Wade Bryant led the Cobras with 16 points and Daniel Ross added 14.
In the schools' only other meeting, on Dec. 5, 2003, Liberty won 90-65.
