PITTSBURGH — West Liberty saw a ten-point halftime lead slip away Wednesday night as Point Park outscored the Hilltoppers 44–29 in the second half to secure a 73–68 victory at CCAC-Allegheny.

West Liberty finished with 36 points in the paint and 14 fast-break points, but Point Park's ability to get to the free-throw line proved decisive, as the Pioneers converted 18 free throws down the stretch to pull away late.

The Hilltoppers opened the game with strong defensive energy and efficient interior scoring, jumping out to a 4–0 lead. Anna Lucarelli and Reagan Vinskovich sparked the early momentum with layups in transition, while West Liberty continued to capitalize on fast-break opportunities. A Lucarelli layup off an assist from Katie Lucarelli gave the Hilltoppers a 12–11 edge midway through the opening quarter.

A late surge helped West Liberty build separation, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Olivia Baker and a layup from Jameka Brungard, as the Hilltoppers closed the first quarter with a 19–13 advantage.

West Liberty carried the momentum into the second quarter, opening with consecutive layups from Vinskovich. A key three-pointer by Kaleigh Norris at the 8:14 mark extended the lead, followed by another fast-break triple from Baker at 5:34, both assisted by Lucarelli. Despite Point Park's defensive pressure, West Liberty continued to find open looks and shared the ball effectively, heading into halftime with a 39–29 lead.

The Hilltoppers maintained control early in the third quarter, as Katie Lucarelli knocked down a three-pointer at 5:06 to push the advantage to 49–40. West Liberty remained active defensively, converting turnovers into points, but Point Park closed the gap late in the period. The Hilltoppers entered the fourth quarter holding a 52–48 lead.

West Liberty briefly extended the margin early in the final quarter on a Vinskovich layup and free throw to make it 55–48, but the Pioneers answered with a sustained run to seize the lead. Baker drained a clutch three-pointer at 4:42, assisted by Norris, to put West Liberty back in front, 61–58, but Point Park responded once again from the foul line.

A late layup by Anna Lucarelli with eight seconds remaining pulled the Hilltoppers within five, but the comeback bid came up short as Point Park closed out the 73–68 decision.

Anna Lucarelli led West Liberty with 16 points and nine rebounds, adding two blocks, while Vinskovich matched her with 16 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, also recording two blocks. Baker finished with 12 points, knocking down four three-pointers, and Katie Lucarelli added nine points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.

West Liberty returns home Saturday to host Wheeling at 2 p.m. inside the ASRC as part of Basketball Alumni Day.

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.