ROCK HILL, S.C. — The first college basketball game played anywhere in the country this season will tip off in Rock Hill, when Liberty and High Point meet at midnight Monday at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center.
The matchup opens the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon, and both programs arrive off big years. High Point went 31-5 and reached the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Liberty, the two-time defending Conference USA regular season champion, finished 26-8.
The game is the earliest start in Liberty program history and its first ever on Nov. 2. The Flames have won five straight openers and lead the all-time series with the Panthers 24-17, though the old Big South rivals have not played since 2018.
Last season the Panthers forced 10.6 steals a game, while Liberty took care of the ball, averaging 8.1 turnovers. Liberty returns six players, adds nine newcomers and was picked third in the league preseason poll.
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