West Liberty, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's basketball team is set to take on Fayetteville State in the Atlantic Region semifinal on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the ASRC. The winner will advance to Tuesday's regional championship game.

Last Time Out for West Liberty

The No. 6-ranked Hilltoppers secured a hard-fought 91-84 victory over Bluefield State in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Atlantic Regional. JJ Harper led the way with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Kyler D'Augustino contributed 15 points, while Lanyc Shuler and Kameron Tinsley each added 11.

Series History vs. Fayetteville State

This marks just the second meeting all-time between these two programs. West Liberty won the previous encounter, 101-89, on November 16, 2014, at the ASRC. In that game, Seger Bonifant led the Toppers with 32 points, while CJ Hester and Mike Lamberti each contributed 14.

West Liberty in the NCAA Tournament

The Hilltoppers have an impressive 36-15 all-time record in NCAA Tournament play, including a dominant 17-1 mark at the ASRC. This is West Liberty's record 16th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance (17th overall). The Hilltoppers have claimed seven Atlantic Region titles (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2021, 2023) and have hosted the regional tournament six times (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2021).






 

MEC Stat Check

West Liberty led the Mountain East Conference (MEC) in several statistical categories this season, 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

• Assists: 697 (22.5 per game)

• Steals: 339 (10.9 per game)

Topper Leaders

• Scoring: Kyler D'Augustino (17.0 ppg), JJ Harper (15.9 ppg)

• Rebounds: JJ Harper (5.2 rpg)

• Assists: Finley Woodward (4.7 apg), Lanyc Shuler (4.1 apg)

• Steals: Dante Spadafora (1.7 spg)

West Liberty National Rankings

The Hilltoppers continue to dominate on the national stage, ranking:

• 1st in turnover margin

• 2nd in scoring, assist-turnover ratio, and assists

• 3rd in three-pointers per game

• 4th in three-point attempts per game and turnovers per game

• 5th in bench points (37.6) and fastbreak points (20.6)

• 10th in steals

Scouting Fayetteville State

The Broncos advanced to the semifinals after a thrilling 74-67 overtime victory against Fairmont State. Isaiah Ray led the way with a double-double, posting 23 points and 11 rebounds. Tairell Fletcher added 18 points, while Caleb Simmons contributed 14.

Team Comparisons

West Liberty Hilltoppers

• Record (MEC): 27-4 (18-2)

• Streak: W-1

• Last Game: 3/15 vs. Bluefield State (W, 91-84)

• Next Game: TBD

• Head Coach: Ben Howlett (8th Season)

Fayetteville State Broncos

• Record: 23-8

• Streak: W-1

• Last Game: 3/15 vs. Fairmont State (W, 74-67 OT)

• Next Game: TBD

• Head Coach: Luke D'Alessio (6th Season)