West Liberty, W.Va. - The West Liberty University men's basketball team won a hard fought back and forth battle with Bluefield State Saturday in the final game in the Atlantic Region Crossover at the ASRC. 

The Hilltoppers were able to hold off Big Blue 112-110, as Bluefield State's three-point attempt at the buzzer was blocked by JJ Harper. 

Coached by former Hilltopper Devin Hoehn, Bluefield State plays a similar style as West Liberty and they were able to take a 60-58 lead at the half. 

Up 91-89 with 8:36 remaining in the second half,  the Hilltoppers were able to push their advantage out to seven as they went on a 5-0 run never losing the lead again. The Toppers would go up by 11, 103-92 with 5:41 left for their largest lead of the game. 

Bluefield State would cut the lead to 106-105 with 1:03 remaining thanks to a Romeo Aquino three-pointer. Aquino would have a shot with one-second remaining down 112-110 when his shot was blocked by Harper. 

Harper finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, four steals and four blocks. Kyler D'Augstino once again led the Toppers in scoring with 23 while also grabbing nine rebounds. Finley Woodward had his second double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds and six assists. Lanyc Shuler added 16 points with seven rebounds and six assists. Daniel Autrey was 5-8 from three for 15 points. 

Jordan Hinds for Bluefield State led all scorers with 32 points he also had eight rebounds and six assists. 

Game Details: 

West Liberty 112 Bluefield State 110 

ASRC 

Attendance: 903

BSU:1-1

WLU:2-0 


Up Next: 

The Hilltoppers will host Shepherd, Saturday Nov.16 at the ASRC at 4 p.m.