FAIRMONT, W.Va. — No.13 West Liberty University dropped a hard-fought 99-89 decision to Fairmont State on Saturday at Joe Retton Arena, as the Fighting Falcons used advantages at both the free-throw line and beyond the arc to pull away in the second half.

The Hilltoppers (10-3, 5-1 MEC) carried a slim 43-41 lead into halftime after a tightly contested opening half but were outscored after the break. West Liberty forced 19 turnovers and received a major lift from its bench, which accounted for 62 of the team's 89 points. Fairmont State converted 33-of-40 free-throw attempts and doubled the Hilltoppers in three-pointers, creating key separation down the stretch.

West Liberty established an early presence in the paint, scoring 20 first-half points inside while trading leads throughout the opening 20 minutes. The Hilltoppers' bench played a key role, pouring in 27 points as neither team was able to gain separation. The half featured seven ties and three lead changes, with West Liberty edging ahead by two at the break.

The Hilltoppers opened the second half with momentum, as Xavier Harris scored on a layup just 26 seconds in to extend the lead to 45-41. Cameron Williams and Myles Montgomery followed with timely baskets, including Montgomery's layup at the 13:24 mark that tied the game at 56.

Fairmont State answered with multiple scoring runs, leaning heavily on trips to the free-throw line while knocking down timely perimeter shots to swing the momentum. West Liberty's bench continued to provide energy and production, adding 35 second-half points, but the Falcons maintained control late to close out the 99-89 victory.

Landon Butler led West Liberty with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting and two steals. Hayden Abdullah scored 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting with four rebounds, while Peter Lattos added 16 points and three steals. Montgomery finished with 10 points, converting all six of his free-throw attempts.

West Liberty returns home on Wednesday, hosting Glenville State at 7:30 p.m. inside the ASRC.