LYNCHBURG, Va.(AP) Anthony Smith scored 30 points Tuesday night and Liberty beat VMI 103-88 in the first round of the Big South tournament.

Reggie Williams matched Smith with 30 points for VMI (14-15), who led only briefly in the first half.

Twins Chavis and Travis Holmes combined for 13 points in the last 3:35 of the first half to put VMI ahead 47-46. Alex McLean's layup reclaimed the lead for the Flames (16-15).

Travis Holmes, who scored 19 points, made a pair of free throws to close the gap early in the second half, but Liberty built the lead to 65-55 with 11:18 to go on a jumper by TeeJay Bannister.

Chavis Holmes had 26 points for VMI.

Kyle Ohman scored 21 and B.J. Jenkins had 18 for Liberty.