WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty rang in the Mike Lamberti era with a 102–91 win over Clarion on Friday night in the Atlantic Region Crossover at the ASRC, jumping out to a 24-point lead early in the second half before holding off a late Golden Eagle surge.

The Hilltoppers' pace and pressure defined the night, forcing 25 Clarion turnovers and turning them into 26 points. West Liberty also knocked down 14 three-pointers and got 33 points from its bench to offset Clarion's 21 fast-break points and late momentum.

West Liberty set the tone immediately. Jamie Muldowney opened the game with a layup just 16 seconds in and buried a three on the next trip. A 9–2 burst, capped by a Cameron Williams three at 17:41, pushed the lead to 10–2, and the Hilltoppers continued to generate points off turnovers and in transition. A Landon Butler fast-break finish at 14:22 highlighted a 22-point first-half effort in the paint as WLU built a 54–39 halftime lead.

The Hilltoppers stretched the margin to 24 early in the second half behind a Muldowney layup, a Williams three, and a smooth mid-range jumper from Max Hurray. Williams and Myles Montgomery added key threes midway through the half to keep West Liberty on top, 85–67, with 7:56 remaining.

Clarion battled back behind several transition buckets, trimming the deficit into single digits down the stretch, but West Liberty steadied itself and closed the door with timely free throws and a late basket from Dante Spadafora to seal Lamberti's first win.

Muldowney led five Hilltoppers in double figures with 19 points, three three-pointers, and six assists. Williams added 18 points and four threes, while Hurray posted 16 points and two steals. Spadafora scored 15 points on 10-of-12 shooting at the line, and Montgomery chipped in 11.

The Hilltoppers return to action Saturday night as they face Cal Pa. at 8 p.m. at the ASRC.