RICHMOND, Va. — A strong second-half surge wasn't enough to erase an early deficit on Tuesday night, as West Liberty dropped a 94–88 decision to Virginia Union inside Barco-Stevens Hall. The Hilltoppers poured in 52 second-half points, but Virginia Union's 38 points off turnovers proved too much to overcome in a matchup that featured only one tie and two lead changes.

Virginia Union jumped out to a 9–0 lead by the 16:17 mark, forcing the Hilltoppers to play from behind early. West Liberty responded with a 13–3 run, sparked by a Dante Spadafora three-pointer and back-to-back baskets from Peter Lattos, trimming the deficit to 22–18 with 10:03 remaining.

A driving layup from Max Hurray tied the score at 25–25 with 6:45 left, and the Hilltoppers continued to battle, pulling within 34–33 on a Hurray jumper at the 2:19 mark. But Virginia Union closed the half with a small burst, sending West Liberty into the locker room trailing 41–36.

The Panthers seized momentum early in the second half, using transition opportunities to stretch the lead into double digits. West Liberty continued to fight, led by senior Jamie Muldowney, who delivered a standout performance with 17 points and 11 rebounds. His layup at 9:35 helped the Hilltoppers chip away, while Spadafora's three made free throws with 48 seconds remaining kept WLU within striking distance.

Despite the late push, Virginia Union held on for the six-point victory.

Spadafora led West Liberty with 19 points, going 11-of-13 from the line. Hurray added 16 points, and Lattos provided 12 points and two steals.

West Liberty returns home to the ASRC this weekend, hosting Shepherd on Saturday at 4 p.m.