WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University (4–5, 1–2 MEC) delivered a spirited effort but came up short in an 80–71 loss to West Virginia Wesleyan (5–2, 3–1 MEC) in a tightly contested Mountain East Conference matchup Wednesday night at the ASRC.

The Hilltoppers used a 25-point third quarter to erase much of a second-half deficit and pull within one heading into the final frame, but Wesleyan's 48 points in the paint proved decisive as the Bobcats pulled away late. West Liberty forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 20 points, but was unable to overcome Wesleyan's interior scoring advantage.

Wesleyan opened the game with an early layup by Emma Witt, but West Liberty answered with strong perimeter shooting. Olivia Baker knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the opening quarter, including one at the buzzer, helping trim the Bobcats' lead to 22–19 after one.

The Bobcats maintained control in the second quarter, outscoring West Liberty 19–15. After Kaleigh Norris briefly gave the Hilltoppers the lead early in the period, Wesleyan responded with steady scoring and closed the half with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Avery Childers to take a 41–34 advantage into the break.

West Liberty came out energized in the third quarter. Anna Lucarelli sparked the run with a steal and layup, while Baker and Halley Smith added timely baskets to cut into the deficit. A late layup by Jameka Brungard, assisted by Baker, capped a strong period and pulled the Hilltoppers within 59–58 heading into the fourth.

Wesleyan regained momentum in the final quarter behind key baskets from Kilah Dandridge and timely free throws down the stretch. West Liberty continued to battle, highlighted by a fast-break layup from Smith off an assist by Ana-Isabel Andersson, but the Bobcats sealed the win at the foul line to secure the 80–71 victory.

Lucarelli led the Hilltoppers with 18 points, adding five assists and two steals. Baker finished with 13 points, all from beyond the arc, and grabbed five rebounds. Andersson dished out six assists, while Norris added 10 points and a blocked shot.

West Liberty returns to action Saturday, hosting Tiffin in a non-conference matchup at the ASRC with tipoff set for 2 p.m.