INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The surging West Liberty University women made 13 3-pointers and shot 71 percent from the floor in the first half here Thursday night before coasting to a 105-68 victory at West Virginia State.
    It was the seventh straight win for Coach Kyle Cooper's Hilltoppers (16-7, 13-4), completing a season sweep of the outgunned Yellow Jackets (5-18, 4-13).
    West Liberty used an 11-1 burst late in the first quarter to open up a 29-15 lead after the first 10 minutes before slamming the accelerator to the floor.
    The Hilltoppers scorched the twine at a 78 percent (14-of-18) clip in the second quarter – including seven 3-point bombs – before jogging off to the locker room with an insurmountable 64-29 lead.
    The 64 first-half points tied a school record for most points in a half. The 2009-10 Lady Hilltoppers jumped out to a 64-17 lead against Salem on Feb. 1, 2010 before going on to set the school single-game scoring record with a 117-39 win.
    West Liberty continued to build the lead throughout the second half with the margin hitting 45 points, 100-55, in the latter stages of the fourth quarter, well after both teams had cleared their benches.
    The Hilltoppers were just as impressive on the defensive end, holding West Virginia State to 35 percent (24-of-69) shooting from the floor and setting a WLU school record with 19 blocked shots. Seven West Liberty players were charted with at least one block but no player had more than four.
    The Black and Gold finished the night shooting 63 percent (41-of-65) from the floor and 55 percent (18-of-33) from the 3-point arc.
    Marissa Brown made 13-of-14 shots to lead the way with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. Morgan Brunner rained in 17 points while Taylor Johnson stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points – including 4-for-4 from the 3-point arc – to go along with 7 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 steals.
    Brandi Beader hit 5 3-pointers and finished with 16 points and 4 blocks while Audrey Tingle added 6 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. Johnie Olkosky hit her first three shots from the floor – all 3-pointers – to become only the 12th WLU woman with 200 career 3-pointers.
    West Virginia State got 15 points from Lyrin Hatcher and 13 more from Anesha Harmon.
    The Lady Hilltoppers return home to host second-place Charleston on Saturday in a crucial Mountain East Conference test. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. on Senior Day at the ASRC.