WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The No. 13 West Liberty University men's basketball team returns home Saturday afternoon to host Mountain East Conference rival Charleston in a pivotal league matchup inside the ASRC. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. as the Hilltoppers look to extend their current six-game winning streak and remain atop the MEC standings.

West Liberty enters the contest at 16-3 overall and 11-1 in conference play, continuing to establish itself as one of the most explosive teams in NCAA Division II. The Hilltoppers rank No. 2 nationally in scoring offense (97.2 ppg) and No. 1 in bench scoring (49.0 ppg), while also placing among the nation's elite in steals per game (No. 5), turnover margin (No. 3), turnovers forced (No. 3), and assists per game (No. 7).

The Hilltoppers' up-tempo attack has been relentless all season, averaging 10.5 three-pointers per game while holding opponents to just 31.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc, the best mark in the MEC. West Liberty also converts defense into offense, forcing more than 20 turnovers per game and turning those into nearly 25 points per contest.

A balanced lineup has fueled the Hilltoppers' success. Jamie Muldowney leads the team at 13.4 points per game, while Cameron Williams (11.3), Myles Montgomery (10.5), and Dante Spadafora (10.4) also average double figures. Peter Lattos anchors the interior with 8.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Hayden Abdullah adds versatility and efficiency on both ends of the floor. West Liberty's depth continues to be a major advantage, with consistent production coming from all 10-man rotations.

Charleston arrives at the ASRC with a 12-6 overall record and an 8-4 mark in MEC play, riding an eight-game winning streak. The Golden Eagles feature one of the league's most efficient offenses, shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range, both tops in the conference. Charleston averages 85.1 points per game and owns a +9.5 scoring margin.

Saturday's matchup marks the second meeting of the season between the two programs. West Liberty claimed an 82-65 road win at Charleston on Dec. 10, using defensive pressure to force 30 turnovers. The Hilltoppers hold a 56-63 edge in the all-time series, including wins in three of the last four meetings.





 

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.