West Liberty, W.Va. – Death, taxes, and the West Liberty University men's basketball team in the NCAA tournament.

This weekend, the Hilltoppers will make history with their record-setting 16th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, breaking the previous mark of 15 straight set by Assumption from 1963-1977—a record WLU tied last season.

Head coach Ben Howlett acknowledged the program's consistency, saying, "It's a credit to our program making 16 straight NCAA tournaments. A lot of hard work and dedication from players and coaches.

Adding to the milestone, the Hilltoppers will host the Atlantic Regional for the seventh time in program history. West Liberty has a strong track record in the NCAA Tournament, boasting a 35-15 all-time record in tournament play, including a dominant 16-1 mark at home. 

The Hilltoppers have won the Atlantic Region Championship seven times (2011,2012,2013,2014,2016,2021,2023). WLU also hosted in 2010 (co-hosted), 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2021. 

"We talked about hosting the region from September until now. It was important to our team," Howlett said. "Now it's time to do something with it."

West Liberty opens the tournament against a familiar opponent, Bluefield State. The two teams last met on Nov. 9 in the Atlantic Region Crossover, a high-scoring battle that WLU edged out 112-110. In that game, five Hilltoppers finished in double figures—Kyler D'Augustino led with 23 points, followed by JJ Harper (22), Finley Woodward (20 points, 10 rebounds), Lanyc Shuler (16), and Daniel Autrey (15).

Bluefield State was led by Jordan Hinds' game-high 32 points, while Romeo Aquino added 21. Seven Big Blue players finished in double figures.

This will mark the 54th all-time meeting between the programs, with West Liberty holding a 33-30 series lead. Bluefield State is coached by former Hilltopper standout Devin Hoehn.

"Obviously, we know the style of play Bluefield brings. It should be an entertaining game," Howlett said. "Coach Hoehn has done a great job this year. I look forward to competing with them."

West Liberty dominated the Mountain East Conference this season, leading in multiple statistical categories, including:

• Scoring: 101.4 ppg

• Margin of Victory: +15.2

• Three-Pointers Made: 378 (12.2 per game)

• Turnovers Forced: 621

• Turnover Margin: +9.4

• Assist-Turnover Ratio: 2.1

• Total Assists: 697 (22.48 per game)

• Total Steals: 339 (10.9 per game)

Nationally, the Hilltoppers rank:

• No. 1 in Turnover Margin

• No. 2 in Scoring, Assist-Turnover Ratio, and Assists

• No. 3 in Three-Pointers Per Game

• No. 4 in Three-Point Attempts and Turnovers Forced Per Game

• No. 5 in Bench Points (37.6) and Fastbreak Points (20.6)

• No. 10 in Steals

Bluefield State also boasts national rankings:

• No. 2 in Field Goal Attempts Per Game (28.3) and Free Throws Made Per Game (20.5)

• No. 8 in Scoring Offense (89.8 ppg)

Individually, WLU's top performers include:

• Kyler D'Augustino: 17.0 ppg

• JJ Harper: 15.9 ppg, team-leading 5.2 rpg

• Finley Woodward: 4.6 apg

• Lanyc Shuler: 4.1 apg

• Dante Spadafora & Harper: 1.7 spg

For Bluefield State:

• Jordan Hinds: 20.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg

• Rell Williams: 5.4 apg, 2.1 spg
  
   

  Game Details: 

  NCAA Atlantic Region Quarterfinal

  Bluefield State vs West Liberty 
  Saturday, 6:00 p.m. 
  ASRC 
  BU: 19-11
  WLU:27-4