WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The No. 1-seeded West Liberty Hilltoppers advanced to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional semifinals with a hard-fought 91-84 victory over No. 8-seed Bluefield State on Saturday night at the ASRC.

The Hilltoppers (28-4) used their signature up-tempo style and relentless pressure to force 20 turnovers, capitalizing with 28 points off giveaways. Despite a strong second-half surge from the Big Blue (19-12), West Liberty held on to punch their ticket to the next round.

West Liberty built a 44-36 halftime lead, fueled by an 11-0 run to close the first and an eight three-pointer first half. Bluefield State clawed back in the second half, shooting an impressive 55.9% from the field, but the Hilltoppers responded with timely baskets and defensive stops to maintain control.The Hilltoppers also scored 46 points in the point and 22 off of the fastbreak. 

JJ Harper led the way for West Liberty with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Kyler D'Augustino added 15 points and three assists. Kameron Tinsley posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards, and Lanyc Shuler also contributed 11 points. In total, five Hilltoppers reached double figures.

Bluefield State was paced by Jordan Hinds, who poured in a game-high 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including five three-pointers. Terrell Williams and Larry Howell each added 15 points, with Williams grabbing a game-high nine rebounds. 

This was West Liberty's second win over Big Blue this season, they won 112-110 on Nov. 9 also at the ASRC as part of the Atlantic Region Crossover. 

Game Details: 

Bluefield State 84
West Liberty 91 
NCAA Atlantic Regional 
West Liberty, W.Va. 
ASRC 
Attendance: 1,221
BU:19-11 
WLU: 28-4