CUSA Championship Final: Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Liberty Flames

A Highly Anticipated Showdown

The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the Conference USA (CUSA) Championship as the No. 2 seed Jacksonville State Gamecocks (22-11) prepare to face off against the No. 1 seed Liberty Flames (27-6) in the final. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET, this game promises to be a thrilling climax to the tournament. Fans can catch all the action live on CBSSN or stream it via FuboTV. With a trip to the NCAA Tournament on the line, both teams are ready to leave it all on the court in what is expected to be a hard-fought battle.

The matchup is particularly intriguing because these two teams split their regular-season series, with each securing a victory in their respective matchups. Jacksonville State emerged victorious in the first encounter, defeating Liberty 72-61, while the Flames exacted revenge in late February with a narrow 59-55 win. This history of competitiveness adds an extra layer of intensity to the championship game, as neither team is likely to back down.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Led by a Scoring Sensation

For the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, all eyes will be on Jaron Pierre Jr., a dynamic and gifted scorer who has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. Pierre Jr., a senior from New Orleans, is currently fourth in the nation in scoring, averaging an impressive 21.6 points per game. His ability to take over games has been on full display, as he has scored at least 19 points in ten of the Gamecocks’ last eleven outings.

Pierre Jr. is not just a key player for his team; he is also a player with his sights set on the next level. This championship game is his opportunity to showcase his skills on a big stage and prove to scouts that he has what it takes to excel in the professional ranks. With the Gamecocks’ NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance, Pierre Jr. will undoubtedly be motivated to deliver a standout performance.

Liberty Flames: Balanced Offense and Teamwork

On the other side of the court, the Liberty Flames are a formidable opponent, known for their balanced offense and cohesive team play. Unlike the Gamecocks, who rely heavily on Pierre Jr.’s scoring prowess, Liberty has four players averaging double figures this season. This depth and versatility make them difficult to defend, as they can attack from multiple angles.

In their semifinal victory over Kennesaw State, it was senior guard Kaden Metheny who stepped up, scoring 24 points and making seven of his thirteen three-point attempts. However, what makes Liberty particularly dangerous is their ability to adapt and have different players rise to the occasion in different games. In their four consecutive wins leading up to the final, each victory was led by a different top scorer. This unpredictability will make it challenging for Jacksonville State to prepare defensively.

High Stakes: NCAA Tournament Berth on the Line

The stakes for this game could not be higher. The winner of the CUSA Championship will secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the loser will be left hoping for an at-large invitation, which is far from guaranteed. For both teams, this game represents the culmination of months of hard work and determination, and neither will want to fall short.

The pressure is especially intense for the Gamecocks, who are looking to make a statement and prove their worth after a promising but inconsistent season. For the Flames, on the other hand, this is an opportunity to cement their status as one of the top programs in the conference and build momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament. With Selection Sunday just around the corner, every possession, every shot, and every defensive stop will matter.

How to Watch: Tune In and Witness History

For fans who want to witness this epic showdown, the game will be broadcast live on CBSSN at 8:30 PM ET. Additionally, viewers can stream the game on FuboTV, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of either team or simply a basketball enthusiast looking for high-quality competition, this game promises to deliver.

Sports fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and tune in as the Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the Liberty Flames battle it out for conference supremacy and a chance to shine on the biggest stage in college basketball.

The Conclusion: A Game for the Ages

In conclusion, the CUSA Championship final between Jacksonville State and Liberty is shaping up to be a game for the ages. With two talented teams, a wealth of offensive firepower, and the highest stakes imaginable, this contest has all the ingredients of a classic. Will Jaron Pierre Jr. and the Gamecocks pull off another upset, or will Liberty’s balanced attack and defensive resilience prove too much to overcome?

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: this game will be a fitting conclusion to an exciting tournament. For the players, coaches, and fans of both teams, this is more than just a game—it’s a chance to make history and leave everything on the court. Let the battle begin!