WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's basketball team returns to the friendly confines of the ASRC on Wednesday evening, hosting Salem University at 5:30 p.m. on Employee Appreciation Night. The Hilltoppers (2–3) look to snap a two-game skid and build momentum as they approach the start of their conference slate.
West Liberty enters the matchup averaging 77.4 points per game, powered by efficient perimeter shooting and balanced scoring across the roster. Despite falling at Seton Hill on Tuesday, the Hilltoppers continued to show strengths in transition, free-throw attempts (17.0 per game), and improved ball movement with 16 assists in the education-day matchup.
Offensive leaders include:
Salem enters Wednesday's game following its first win of the season and brings a defensive-minded approach to the Hilltop. The Tigers average 55.5 points per game, but their identity centers around pressure defense, creating turnovers, and active hands in the backcourt.
Salem is holding opponents to just 15.5 assists per game while forcing 24.3 turnovers and generating 16.8 steals per contest—one of the strongest steal rates in the region.
Key contributors for the Tigers include:
-
Batoul Khaleefah – 12.0 ppg, team-best 8 made threes (.348)
-
Taja Brown – 9.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg; perfect 14-for-14 from the FT line
-
Nakayla Green – 9.0 ppg, 7 steals per game, strong two-way presence
Offensively, Salem is shooting 30.5% from the field and 21.7% from three, and has struggled with rebounding (–7.8 margin) and interior defense. However, their ability to force turnovers (86 created) and disrupt passing lanes could challenge WLU early.
Series History
West Liberty has dominated the all-time series 41-15, winning 15 of the last 17 matchups dating back to 2006. The Hilltoppers have also won four straight, including:
-
Feb. 26, 2025 – WLU 87–63 (Home)
-
Nov. 26, 2024 – WLU 88–76 (Away)
-
Jan. 24, 2024 – WLU 97–73 (Home)
-
Nov. 18, 2023 – WLU 74–68 (OT, Away)**
The Tigers last defeated WLU in December 2017.
