LAKE HUNTINGTON — Liberty started the 2024 portion of their season on the road as they took on the Sullivan West Bulldogs in the Dawg Pound on Wednesday night. Both teams played a tough, physical and fast-paced game, but Liberty built their lead behind a breakout performance by Riley Totten to secure a 59-45 victory.

Sullivan West secured the jump ball, but a quick steal by Liberty’s staunch defense led to a fast break that set the tone for the evening. A few early turnovers put the Bulldogs behind early, but they kicked it into gear near the end of the first quarter to hone in on the RedHawks’ lead. 

Sullivan West used free throws to get within one score, ending the quarter trailing Liberty 11-9.

Both teams ramped up the intensity in the second quarter, with Sullivan West settling into a full court press to slow down Liberty’s pass and cut offense. Although Sullivan West was able to force turnovers, they struggled to turn that defense into points.

Evan Ebert started getting hot, scoring all ten of Sullivan West’s points in the quarter as he finished with a team-high 21.

Liberty’s offense was able to get through the press and put points on the board, putting up 16 in the quarter and extending their lead to 27-19 by halftime.

Early in the third quarter, it seemed like Sullivan West would close the Liberty lead with multiple turnovers turning into fast breaks, but Riley Totten and the RedHawks had other plans. Totten, who had seven points in the first half, netted three treys and a free throw in the third as the RedHawks continued to build their lead. Liberty ended the third with a 14 point lead, going into the final quarter up 43-29.

Despite being down 14, Sullivan West continued to battle in the fourth, putting up 18 in the frame as they attempted to dig their way back into the game.

Totten, who finished with a game-high 29 points for Liberty, scored 12 of his points in the final frame as the RedHawks worked to keep the Bulldogs at bay.

By the final whistle, Liberty was able to hold off the Bulldogs and take home a 59-45 win and give them a spark to start 2024.

“The kids played well and played hard tonight,” Liberty Coach Matt Robinson said. “We’ve had a tough schedule recently but it has prepared us and it shows. Overall it was a great team win and I’m looking forward to continuing to improve and finish the season strong.”

Sullivan West Coach Ronj Padu said, “There were definitely some growing pains in this game and we didn’t play as well as we should have. Next time, we need to come more focused and execute a little better. As long as we do that, and limit our turnovers, I know we’ll be good.”

The Bulldogs will get a chance to get back on track tonight as they head to Tri-Valley to take on the Bears in a B division clash after both teams moved up this season.

Liberty’s next game will be on the road Monday as they visit Beacon in a league matchup.