WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The No. 12-ranked West Liberty University men's basketball team heads west this weekend for one of the premier early-season events in Division II, competing in the DII Holiday Hoops Classic at South Point Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
The Hilltoppers (7-1, 3-0 MEC) will face a pair of nationally prominent opponents, opening play Saturday at 6:45 p.m. (ET) against Angelo State, before squaring off with No. 7 Lubbock Christian on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. (ET).
Hilltopper Breakdown
West Liberty enters the weekend playing some of the most explosive basketball in the country, averaging 95.3 points per game while outscoring opponents by more than 20 points per contest. The Hilltoppers have topped the 100-point mark four times already this season and rank among the national leaders in assists (19.4 per game) and steals (13.8 per game).
The Black and Gold's up-tempo style has been fueled by depth and balance. Jamie Muldowney leads the team at 15.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while Dante Spadafora (11.1 ppg) and Peter Lattos (9.8 ppg) provide steady production. West Liberty has six players averaging at least 7.0 points per game, underscoring the team's trademark depth.
Defensively, the Hilltoppers have forced nearly 24 turnovers per game, converting those miscues into 28.9 points off turnovers, a key factor in their fast-paced success.
Scouting Angelo State
Angelo State (9-3, 1-2 Lone Star Conference) brings a disciplined, defensive-minded approach into Saturday's matchup. The Rams allow just 66.1 points per game and hold opponents to 41.9 percent shooting.
Jaqai Murray leads Angelo State at 16.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while Quadir Pettaway (11.2 ppg) adds perimeter scoring punch. The matchup marks the second all-time meeting between the programs, with Angelo State edging West Liberty 101-98 at the 2023 Daytona Beach Shootout.
Sunday Test vs. No. 7 Lubbock Christian
Sunday's contest features a high-profile showdown against No. 7 Lubbock Christian (10-2, 3-1 LSC), one of the nation's most efficient offensive teams. The Chaps average 80.0 points per game while shooting an impressive 49.9 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three-point range.
Amondo Miller Jr. leads Lubbock Christian at 21.4 points per game, supported by a strong frontcourt presence from Antonio Pusateri (14.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg). LCU defeated West Liberty 91-83 in the teams' only prior meeting, which also came at the Holiday Hoops Classic in Las Vegas on Dec. 17, 2022.
