Liberty already has clinched the conference's automatic NCAA Tournament bid because North Alabama is ineligible. The Lions are in the third year of a four-year transition period to Division I. A couple weeks ago, Liberty whipped visiting North Alabama by identical 74-54 scores on consecutive days. The Flames shot 23 of 47 from deep in those contests, well above their season average. In this tournament, Liberty has won by 10 and 13 and not looked as dominant as usual. With the automatic bid locked up, the Flames can relax a bit. Look for North Alabama to hang around.