West Liberty, W.Va. – The West Liberty University women's basketball team heads to Wheeling University on Saturday for a key Mountain East Conference matchup against their county rival. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. at the McDonough Center.

The Hilltoppers (6-11, 4-6 MEC) are coming off a morale-boosting 68-56 win at Point Park on Thursday, where a third-quarter surge sparked by junior Hope Bowman helped secure the victory. Bowman, who had played just one minute all season, scored seven points during a critical run that flipped a 39-38 deficit into a 49-42 lead.

Anna Lucarelli led the Hilltoppers with a standout performance, registering 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Jenna Riccardo (12 points), Bailee Smith (11 points), and Halley Smith (10 points) all contributed double-digit scoring efforts.

The Toppers remain a threat from beyond the arc, sitting second in the MEC in three-pointers made with 156 (9.2 per game). Bailee Smith leads the conference with 45 made threes, converting at an impressive 38% rate.

West Liberty holds a 57-46 edge in the all-time series against Wheeling but will be seeking their first victory at the McDonough Center since February 2022. 

Game Details

• Matchup: West Liberty (6-11, 4-6 MEC) vs. Wheeling (9-8, 5-4 MEC)

• Location: McDonough Center, Wheeling, W.Va.

• Date/Time: Saturday, 2 p.m