Institute, W.Va. — West Liberty used a strong performance at the free-throw line and a stout defensive effort to pull away from West Virginia State for a 74-61 Mountain East Conference victory Saturday afternoon at the Walker Convocation Center.
The Hilltoppers (6-13, 3-9 MEC) converted 22-of-28 free throws and capitalized on 20 Yellow Jacket turnovers, turning them into 21 points. West Virginia State (7-11, 4-8 MEC) made a late push in the fourth quarter, but West Liberty maintained control down the stretch to secure the road win.
West Liberty set the tone defensively early, recording three blocks in the opening minutes, including one by Olivia Baker just 18 seconds into the game. Reagan Vinskovich helped steady the offense with a layup and free throw midway through the first quarter, while Baker knocked down a 3-pointer at the 1:06 mark to trim the deficit to 13–10. Two late free throws from Vinskovich sent the Hilltoppers into the second quarter trailing just 15–12.
Momentum swung in West Liberty's favor early in the second quarter when Anna Lucarelli buried a 3-pointer at 8:16 to give WLU its first lead of the game. Baker followed with back-to-back triples to extend the advantage, and the Hilltoppers closed the half on a strong run, outscoring West Virginia State 22-11 in the quarter to take a 34-26 lead into halftime.
The Hilltoppers continued to build separation in the third quarter. Lucarelli opened the scoring with another 3-pointer before Vinskovich converted an offensive rebound into a three-point play to push the lead to double digits. A fast-break 3-pointer from Katie Lucarelli and another triple by Baker highlighted the surge as West Liberty stretched its advantage to 52-36 heading into the final period.
West Liberty remained composed in the fourth quarter, answering each Yellow Jacket push with timely baskets and solid free-throw shooting. Dria Parker drained a key 3-pointer late in the quarter, and Baker sealed the win at the line, converting four free throws in the final minute.
Baker led all scorers with 26 points, knocking down five 3-pointers and going 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Lucarelli added 21 points, five assists, and two steals, while Vinskovich posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass. Parker chipped in six points, two blocks, and a pair of 3-pointers.
West Liberty returns home on Saturday, hosting Charleston in a Mountain East Conference matchup at 2 p.m. inside the ASRC.
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.
