WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University suffered a 78-52 setback to Wheeling University Saturday afternoon in Mountain East Conference action at the ASRC.
Despite holding advantages with 28 points in the paint and five blocked shots, the Hilltoppers (5-13, 2-9 MEC) were undone by 21 turnovers, which the Cardinals (10-8, 5-5 MEC) converted into 33 points while maintaining control throughout the contest.
West Liberty opened the game with a strong interior presence, highlighted by an early Reagan Vinskovich layup off an assist from Olivia Baker at the 9:54 mark. The Hilltoppers briefly traded leads three times in the opening quarter and moved the ball well early, recording five assists, including a Dria Parker three-pointer at 7:07. However, Wheeling found its rhythm from beyond the arc late in the period, capped by a three from Emma Reynolds with 27 seconds remaining to take a 26-14 lead after one.
The Hilltoppers showed renewed energy midway through the second quarter as Vinskovich scored on consecutive layups, one resulting in a three-point play. Baker added a three-pointer at 6:37 to help spark the offense. Still, turnovers and second-chance opportunities plagued West Liberty, allowing Wheeling to extend its advantage to 43-24 at halftime.
West Liberty made its strongest push in the third quarter, with Vinskovich leading the way on both ends of the floor. She added key rebounds, free throws, and a layup during the surge, while Anna Lucarelli knocked down a three-pointer off a feed from Kaleigh Norris to inject momentum. The Hilltoppers matched Wheeling with 14 points in the quarter but were unable to cut into the overall deficit, trailing 57-38 heading into the final period.
The Hilltoppers continued to attack inside in the fourth quarter, highlighted by another Vinskovich layup assisted by Lucarelli at 5:12. However, Wheeling sealed the game at the free-throw line, led by Kenzie Dalton, while turnovers and fouls prevented West Liberty from mounting a late rally.
Vinskovich paced the Hilltoppers with 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting and added six rebounds. Lucarelli finished with 14 points, seven assists, and two blocked shots, while Baker chipped in six points, two three-pointers, and two blocks.
West Liberty returns to action Wednesday, traveling to West Virginia State for a Mountain East Conference matchup.
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.
