Las Vegas, Nev. – In a thrilling showdown, the No. 3-ranked West Liberty Hilltoppers men's basketball team emerged victorious against No. 10 Colorado School of Mines, securing a 92-87 win in their opening game of the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic.

The Hilltoppers (11-0, 5-0) faced an early deficit, trailing 18-13 midway through the first half. However, a decisive 10-0 run, highlighted by two three-pointers from Daniel Autrey, swung the momentum in their favor, giving them a 23-18 lead. Autrey contributed 10 points and five rebounds in the first half, while JJ Harper and Kyler D'Augustino chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively, helping WLU hold a slim 39-38 advantage at halftime.

In the second half, West Liberty extended their lead to as many as eight points. However, the Orediggers rallied to tie the game at 78 with just over four minutes remaining. The Toppers responded quickly with key baskets from JJ Harper and Finley Woodward, regaining the lead at 82-78 and maintaining control until the final buzzer.

Kyler D'Augustino led the Hilltoppers with a stellar performance, scoring 23 points, grabbing five rebounds, and recording three steals. Harper was equally impressive with 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

West Liberty looks to keep their perfect record intact as they take on Missouri S&T on Friday at 4:30 p.m. The Miners (6-5) are coming off a 65-52 loss to St. Mary's, Texas.