Defending State Champs Knock Off Jays

Liberty played the 2nd night of the Kickapoo Classic, losing to defending Class 5 State Champion Nixa, 50-40. The Jays fell behind 9-0 to start the game but battled back to cut the lead to 3 points, only to have Nixa score a basket at the buzzer before halftime to take a 23-18 lead at the break. Nixa built their up to as many as 13 points in the second half but Liberty fought back to cut the lead to six points with two minutes to play. Nixa hit free throws down the stretch to ice the game. Liberty plays tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. against O'Hara.