WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty (17-3, 12-1 MEC) edged Charleston Golden Eagles, 89–84, in a hard-fought Mountain East Conference matchup Saturday night at the ASRC.

The Hilltoppers relied on balanced scoring and efficiency at the free-throw line, converting 26-of-31 attempts, to secure the win in a back-and-forth contest that featured nine ties and seven lead changes. Charleston kept the pressure on with 13 three-pointers, but West Liberty's poise down the stretch proved decisive.

West Liberty and Charleston traded baskets throughout an evenly played first half. Myles Montgomery knocked down an early 3-pointer at the 18:20 mark, assisted by Aiden Davis, as the Hilltoppers stayed aggressive in transition, scoring nine fast-break points. West Liberty also forced six steals, turning defensive pressure into key scoring opportunities. Contributions from Dante Spadafora and Terrance Pankey Jr. helped the Hilltoppers carry a slim 41–40 advantage into halftime.

Momentum swung in West Liberty's favor midway through the second half. Jamie Muldowney buried back-to-back 3-pointers beginning at 13:05 to flip a deficit into a Hilltopper lead. Montgomery followed with another triple at 10:58, pushing the margin to seven.

Charleston continued to battle, but West Liberty maintained control behind steady execution and clutch free-throw shooting. A layup by Cameron Williams at 2:42 helped preserve the lead, and the Hilltoppers sealed the win at the line in the final moments to secure the 89–84 victory.

Montgomery led West Liberty with 19 points, knocking down 4-of-5 shots from beyond the arc while adding five rebounds. Spadafora chipped in 15 points, went a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line, and added three steals. Williams finished with 13 points, three assists, and two steals, while Hayden Abdullah provided a defensive spark with two blocks.

West Liberty returns to action Wednesday, hosting Davis & Elkins Senators at the ASRC with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.