Austin Kenon scored a career-high 39 points to lead Virginia Military Institute over Liberty 79-69 on Tuesday night.
Kenon was 8 of 16 from 3-point range as the Keydets went 14 of 26 on long-distance attempts. After leading 34-33 at halftime, the Keydets (15-11, 8-8 Big South Conference) went 55 percent from 3-point territory (11 of 20).
VMI opened the second half with five straight points before Joel Vander Pol halted the spurt on a free throw followed by a layup. The Keydets answered with seven straight points, capped by Keith Gabriel's free throws for a 46-36 lead with 13:21 remaining.
D.J. Covington added 14 points and 10 rebounds for VMI.
John Brown had 22 points and 16 rebounds for Liberty (19-9, 13-3), which is now guaranteed at least a No. 2 finish in the Big South, thanks to Coastal Carolina's 59-57 loss to Gardner-Webb on Tuesday night.
