| MATCHUP | Liberty Flames | Jacksonville State Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 23-5 | 14-14 |
| Where | Pete Mathews Coliseum, Jacksonville, AL | |
| When | Saturday, February 28, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPNU | |
The Liberty Flames and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks meet Saturday in college basketball action from Pete Mathews Coliseum. Here’s a Liberty vs Jacksonville State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Liberty vs Jacksonville State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Liberty Flames Betting Preview
The Flames got off to a 6-3 start this year, then hit a win streak over Midway U, Dayton, FIU, Kennesaw State, Jacksonville State, LA Tech, Sam Houston, New Mexico State, UTEP, Western Kentucky, Delaware, Middle Tennessee, Delaware, Missouri State, New Mexico State, UTEP and FIU. After a loss to Western Kentucky the Flames had a 23-4 run through 27 games.
On Thursday versus Kennesaw State the Flames were down by three points in the locker room 32-29. Liberty didn’t end up getting any closer than that in the second half on a 42-36 deficit and finished off the loss on the road 74-65 as the game concluded. The Flames’ leading scorer was Brett Decker with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists in 38 minutes of work.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview
Over on the Jacksonville State side, they began the season on an 8-9 run, then hit wins in five of the next six over LA Tech, Middle Tennessee, Florida International, Western Kentucky and Kennesaw State. After that came losses to UTEP, New Mexico State, LA Tech and Sam Houston. Through 27 games that would give the Gamecocks a 13-14 record in the books.
Matched up against Delaware on Thursday, the Gamecocks were able to keep the pace on a 25-25 tie as the first half concluded. Jacksonville State hit a 36-36 run the rest of the way and had to go to overtime. Following 19 points in the extra period the Gamecocks finished off a nice 80-70 victory on their home court. Jamar Franklin was the team’s leading scorer with 24 points and Mostapha El Moutaouakkil added 21 points with 10 rebounds and one steal.
Liberty Flames @ Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Trends: February 28, 2026
Why the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will win
- Jacksonville State has won nine of its last 11 day games at Pete Mathews Coliseum against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Liberty has lost the first half in three of its last four road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Liberty Flames will win
- Liberty has won 12 of its last 13 road games against the Conference USA.
- Jacksonville State has lost five of its last six day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Jacksonville State has lost the first half in four of its last five day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Liberty vs Jacksonville State Prediction
I’ll stick with Liberty. The Flames need to bounce back after a road loss to Kennesaw State this week, though. In that one Liberty shot a healthy 45.2 percent from the field and 82.6 percent (19-of-23) at the line. That said, the Flames were outscored in the paint 30-22 and outmuscled on the boards 28-18 alongside 50.9 percent shooting allowed on defense. Liberty has lost consecutive games now, giving up a combined 168 points in that pair.
Back on January 4 when these teams last met up, the Flames took a 78-69 victory on their home court. In that matchup Liberty shot 44.4 percent from the field with a 30-27 rebounding deficit and just six turnovers. The Flames gave up only 40.4 percent shooting on defense while hitting 22 of their 28 free throws (78.6 percent) I like Liberty’s chances in the road rematch.