LAS VEGAS, Nev. — No. 12 West Liberty used a dominant second-half performance to defeat Angelo State, 101–79, on Saturday at the Holiday Hoops Classic inside South Point Arena.
The Hilltoppers (8–1, 3–0 MEC) broke open a tight contest after halftime, outscoring the Rams (9–4, 1–2 Lone Star) 54–31 over the final 20 minutes. West Liberty capitalized on 21 Angelo State turnovers, converting them into 37 points, while also receiving 55 points from its bench in the neutral-site victory.
West Liberty set the tone early with a quick layup from Peter Lattos, but the opening half remained tightly contested. The Hilltoppers leaned on balanced scoring and efficient ball movement, highlighted by a key three-pointer from Landon Butler at the 1:09 mark, assisted by Lattos. The bench sparked the offense with 35 first-half points as West Liberty led nine times, but a late layup by Jordan Crawford sent Angelo State into the break with a narrow 48–47 advantage.
The Hilltoppers seized control immediately in the second half. Jamie Muldowney's layup at 18:26 ignited a surge, followed seconds later by a Dante Spadafora three-pointer to put West Liberty firmly in front. The Hilltoppers continued to extend the lead with efficient shooting and relentless pressure, connecting on 16-of-22 field goals and 17-of-18 free throws in the half while forcing 10 turnovers. West Liberty also added 10 fast-break points during the decisive run to pull away.
"Proud of our guys' effort, especially in the second half," said head coach Mike Lamberti. "It seemed our depth and style of play really wore on them as the game went on. Forcing 20 turnovers for the game and shooting over 50 percent from the field was great to see. We need to build off this performance as we prepare for Lubbock Christian next."
Butler led the way with 15 points, knocking down four three-pointers and adding two steals. Lattos finished with 13 points, going 7-for-8 at the free-throw line and grabbing three rebounds. Spadafora also scored 13 points, converting all seven of his free throws, while Cameron Williams chipped in 14 points, going 8-for-9 from the line.
West Liberty continues play at the Holiday Hoops Classic on Sunday, when the Hilltoppers face No. 7 Lubbock Christian at 4:30 p.m. inside South Point Arena. The Chaps defeated Dominican (N.Y.) earlier Saturday 85-65.
