ELKINS, W.Va. — The No.16 West Liberty University men's basketball team continued its strong start to Mountain East Conference play Saturday afternoon, edging Davis & Elkins, 101–97, at the McDonnell Center.

The Hilltoppers (9-2, 4-0 MEC) forced 12 steals and received a significant lift from their bench, which accounted for 49 points, to withstand a spirited second-half rally by the Senators (5-7, 2-3 MEC). West Liberty also proved steady at the free-throw line, knocking down 23-of-34 attempts to secure the road victory.

West Liberty established control early, scoring 30 points in the paint while turning D&E miscues into 14 points. Aiden Davis sparked the opening stretch with a fast-break layup at the 17:33 mark, and the Hilltoppers steadily built momentum throughout the half. Jamie Muldowney drained a key 3-pointer with 1:10 remaining, and Max Hurray capped the first half with a buzzer-beating triple to give West Liberty a 57–48 advantage at the break.

The Hilltoppers maintained their lead throughout the second half despite a strong push from the Senators, who poured in 49 points after intermission. Muldowney continued to impact the game on both ends, assisting Peter Lattos on a layup early in the half and converting critical free throws midway through the period. A timely steal by Dante Spadafora at the 10:11 mark halted a potential Davis & Elkins surge, helping West Liberty maintain separation down the stretch.

Davis & Elkins trimmed the deficit late, but the Hilltoppers closed out the game from the line to secure the 101–97 win.

Muldowney led West Liberty with 14 points and six rebounds, adding six made free throws. Landon Butler finished with 12 points and four assists, while Terrance Pankey Jr. chipped in 11 points on five field goals. Davis rounded out the balanced effort with 10 points and two steals.

West Liberty returns home Wednesday to host Frostburg State in a Mountain East Conference matchup at 7:30 p.m. inside the ASRC.