Lieberman played at Old Dominion from 1976-80 and led the school to two national titles. She averaged 15.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists during her 17-year professional playing career.

She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame three years later.

The fans had a positive reaction to Lieberman’s presence.

“Women’s sports struggle so anyway,” said Maureen Howard, a Comets season ticket holder. “If this helps the league, I think it’s great. It’s entertaining, and anything that draws attention to the league is a good thing.”

Howard compared Lieberman to swimmer Dara Torres, who qualified for the Beijing Olympics at age 41.

“If a 40-year-old can make our Olympic team, why can’t a 50-year-old play basketball?” Howard said.

Lieberman was the oldest player on either team by 16 years. Detroit’s Katie Smith was the next oldest at 34.

Toni Blackwell, 56, another Comets season ticket holder, didn’t think Lieberman’s appearance damaged the league’s credibility.

“It’s good they have somebody like her to go to,” Blackwell said. “Maybe they could do something like this once a year. It’s entertaining.”

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