WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - The West Liberty University women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought conference battle tonight to West Virginia State, 80-76, inside the ASRC.

The Hilltoppers got out in front early behind five first-quarter threes to take a 23-19 lead after the opening 10 minutes. A 7-0 run that featured five points by Karly McCutcheon in the middle of the second frame put West Liberty up six (32-26). The Yellow Jackets were able to narrow the margin to three at the break, 35-32 in favor of the Hilltoppers.

West Liberty surrendered 10 turnovers in the third quarter, which led to 11 unanswered points for WVSU. The Yellow Jackets doubled the shot amount of the 'Toppers in the third quarter to offset West Liberty's 63.6% shooting with 29 points of their own to take a 61-52 lead into the final ten minutes.

Six straight Hilltopper points started the fourth quarter quickly bringing the game back within one possession. West Liberty brought the deficit down to as little as two points three times down the stretch, including twice in the final minute, but could not get any closer as WVSU sank a pair of late free throws to seal the deal.

McCutcheon ended the night with a game-high 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting and a 3-for-5 effort from beyond the arc. Arriana Manzay went 8-for-9 from the floor on way to posting her fourth double-double of the season with 20 points and a career-high 17 rebounds down low.

Natalija Sekulovska drained three triples in the first quarter and finished with 12 points.

West Liberty assisted on 19 of their 30 made shots, Grace Faulk dished out four assists and a quartet of 'Toppers charted three. 

The Yellow Jackets swiped 19 steals and got into transition quickly, netting 17 points off the fast break, 16 of which in the second half.

West Liberty will be back home on Sunday for a non-conference game against Tiffin. Tip off is slated for 2 pm inside the ASRC.

Follow Hilltopper basketball all season online at HilltopperSports.com and on Twitter (@WLU_Hoops | @WLathletics), Instagram (@wlu_wbb | @wlu_athletics), and Facebook.

Postgame Interview

Head Coach Kyle Cooper