WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's basketball team checked in at No. 17 in this week's NABC Division II Top 25 poll, sliding six spots from its preseason ranking of No. 11 after a challenging opening stretch against regional contenders.

Despite the slight drop, the Hilltoppers (3–1) have showcased their familiar uptempo offense and depth, averaging 90.8 points per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and knocking down 44 three-pointers across the season's first four contests.

West Liberty opened the year with convincing wins over Clarion (102–91) and California (Pa.) (84–67) before narrowly falling on the road at nationally ranked Virginia Union, 94–88. The Hilltoppers responded three days later with an 89–81 victory over Shepherd, extending their dominance in the series to 30 straight wins.

In Saturday's victory, West Liberty erupted for 51 second-half points, flipping a tight 38–35 halftime lead into a comfortable home win.

Team Trends Through Four Games

• 90.8 points per game
   

• 44 made three-pointers
   

• 38 steals, +11 turnover margin
   

• 37.8 rebounds per game
   

• Outscoring opponents by 7.5 points per game
   

Up Next

West Liberty is idle until Tuesday, Dec. 3, when the Hilltoppers return to the ASRC to host Salem University.