INSTITUTE, W.Va. — The No. 13-ranked West Liberty University men's basketball team heads back on the road Wednesday night for a Mountain East Conference matchup at West Virginia State, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. inside the Walker Convocation Center.

West Liberty enters the contest riding a five-game winning streak and sitting atop the MEC standings at 15-3 overall and 10-1 in league play. The Yellow Jackets come in at 5-13 overall and 2-9 in conference action.

The Hilltoppers continue to rank among the nation's elite in several key statistical categories. West Liberty leads NCAA Division II in bench points per game (49.1) and ranks second nationally in scoring offense at 96.9 points per contest. The Black and Gold also sit third in turnovers forced per game (20.8) and turnover margin (+8.1), fourth in steals per game (12.6), and are tied for eighth nationally in scoring margin (+16.4).

Offensively, West Liberty features one of the deepest and most balanced lineups in the country, with eight players averaging at least 7.0 points per game.

• Jamie Muldowney leads the way at 13.5 points per game,
   

• Cameron Williams adds 11.1 ppg,
   

• Dante Spadafora chips in 10.6 ppg, and
   

• Myles Montgomery (10.4 ppg) continues to be a steady presence on both ends of the floor.
   

The Hilltoppers are shooting 48.8 percent from the field, average 10.3 three-pointers per game, and convert at a 74.0 percent clip from the free throw line, all while ranking first in the MEC in assists (18.4 per game) and steals.

West Virginia State averages 80.6 points per game and is led offensively by Trey Harris (13.9 ppg). The Yellow Jackets are one of the league's top shot-blocking teams, averaging 4.4 blocks per contest, and will look to slow West Liberty's tempo after dropping a 108-84 decision to the Hilltoppers in the first meeting on Jan. 19 in West Liberty.

West Liberty holds a 60-52 edge in the all-time series and has won six of the last seven meetings, including victories in Institute in three of the last four trips.




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.