WASHINGTON -- Nick Boyd scored a career-high 21 points to lead five Eagles in double figures as American defeated visiting Liberty, 94-73, in a non-conference game in Bender Arena. It was the most points for American since the 1999-2000 season, when they scored 97 in a win over Virginia Commonwealth.

Trailing 4-2 early in the game, American (5-7) used a 16-4 run over a nine-minute span to grab an 18-8 lead. The Eagles never looked back, as they forced Liberty (2-11) to 16 first-half turnovers, and limited the Flames to 29 percent shooting from the floor in the period. American held a commanding 43-25 advantage at the break.

After a three-pointer by American's Vladimir Buscaglia to open the second half, Liberty started to make a run of its own. The Flames sliced into the margin, and got within 13 points with 12:50 remaining. An effective full-court trap helped the Eagles regain control, and they quickly pushed the lead back to 24 points, using a 15-4 spurt over a three-minute stretch.

American held its largest lead of the game, and of the season, with 3:29 to play when it led, 85-54. The 21-point margin of victory was also the largest of the season.

Boyd was efficient from the field this evening, going six-of-10 from the floor, including five-of-eight from three-point range. Steven Miles and Brian Williams each added 15 points, while Glenn Stokes had 13 points, five assists and five steals. Patrick Doctor was the fifth Eagle in double figures, netting 10 points off the bench.

Chris Caldwell was spectacular for Liberty in a losing effort, scoring a career-best 36 points. He went 15-of-22 from the floor, while connecting on four-of-seven shots from three-point range. Amazingly enough, just two of Caldwell's points came from the free-throw line.

American returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 5, when it hosts Fairfield at 2:00 p.m. The Eagles then travel to Hamilton, NY, on Wednesday, Jan. 9, for its inaugural Patriot League game against Colgate at 7:45 p.m.