WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - A tie game with under nine minutes to play in the game was broken open with a 20-2 run by the No. 9 ranked West Liberty University men's basketball team resulting in a 15-point (88-73) Mountain East Conference win over Glenville State here Saturday evening inside the ASRC.

 Malik McKinney tied his career-high with 24 points, while Bryce Butler recorded his eighth straight 20-point game also netting 24 in the conference victory. 

Missing a couple key contributors due to sickness, the Hilltoppers dug deep to claw it out. "I'm just super proud of this team," said Coach Howlett postgame. 

West Liberty came out of the gates strong getting up 8-2, but Glenville State came to play and tested the Black and Gold all night. The Pioneers took the lead for a five minute span midway through the first, then the teams went blow for blow and took a 44-39 score to the break with the Hilltoppers in front.

A mini 6-0 spurt early in the second put WLU ahead by nine (50-41), but Glenville would not go away. The Pioneers brought the game back to all-square with 8:41 to go after a 12-5 run. Butler elevated for a rejection as GSU went for the lead and Chrisitan Montague went coast-to-coast for a lay-in energizing the home crowd. That block and run ultimately kickstarted the 20-2 run for West Liberty to put the game firmly in their control.

The Hilltoppers made eight of their nine shots over the six and a half minute run, while holding Glenville State to 1-for-9 shooting, to create their largest lead of the game (18 points) with 90 seconds left.

It was just the second time this season WLU allowed double-digit three pointers and a season low four went down on the offensive end. However, tonight was a different mantra than typical 'Topper basketball as they used a 64-32 advantage in the paint to help secure the win.

The Hilltoppers' pressure was in full effect however, as they owned a +9-turnover margin, forcing 21 Pioneer miscues converting them into 29 points.

West Liberty will remain home for its next contest on Wednesday night against Frostburg State. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm inside the ASRC.

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Postgame Interviews

Bryce Butler, Malik McKinney, Christian Montague


Head Coach Ben Howlett