CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Liberty University women's basketball team started strong, but went cold in the second half resulting in its first conference loss of the season, 78-58, at Charleston this evening.

The Hilltoppers (5-3, 4-1) jumped ahead 22-7 after one quarter of play and led by as many as 19 in the second quarter, but Charleston (6-2, 4-1) did not give in. The Golden Eagles outscored West Liberty 50-17 in the second half to flip the script and earn the 20-point victory holding the 'Toppers to just four made field goals and one three pointer after they shot 58.3% (14-of-24) and drained seven triples in the first half.

Karly McCutcheon got the scoring going with the first five points for West Liberty to kickstart a 16-0 run early in the first half putting WLU up 16-3. After another McCutcheon three pointer at the 6:54 mark in the second frame gave West Liberty its largest lead of the game, the Charleston comeback commenced. UC went on a 6-0 run and closed the gap to 13 at the break before taking full control of the contest after the half.

McCutcheon netted a game-high 19 points, 13 of which coming in the first half, draining three triples and all six free throw attempts. Arriana Manzay scored 16 points and pulled down seven rebounds with four on the offensive end, where WLU held a 12-5 advantage. Point guard Anna Lucarelli secured a career-high seven boards, three of which offensive.

The Golden Eagles outscored West Liberty 40-20 in the paint including 24-6 in the second half. The Hilltoppers committed 24 turnovers, 13 of which in the second half, leading to 33 Charleston points.

The Black and Gold went a perfect 14-for-14 from the free throw line in the game.

West Liberty will be back home on Saturday for a matchup against West Virginia State. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 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.