WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University battled to the final buzzer but came up just short in a 65–60 loss to Frostburg State in a tightly contested Mountain East Conference matchup Wednesday night at the ASRC.
The Hilltoppers (5-7, 2-3 MEC) erupted for 29 points in the fourth quarter to pull within striking distance, but Frostburg State (7-6, 4-3 MEC) proved decisive at the free-throw line, converting 27 foul shots to hold on for the win. West Liberty forced 24 Bobcat turnovers and turned those opportunities into 13 points.
West Liberty struck first as Olivia Baker knocked down a 3-pointer at the 9:07 mark of the opening quarter, assisted by Katie Lucarelli. Jameka Brungard followed with a layup, also set up by Lucarelli, to give the Hilltoppers an early edge. Frostburg State responded by capitalizing on turnovers and swinging momentum back its way. A late layup by Jillian Huffman helped keep West Liberty close, but the Hilltoppers trailed 13–9 at the end of the first quarter.
The Hilltoppers found their rhythm in the second quarter, beginning with a key steal and fast-break layup by Katie Lucarelli at 7:07. Dria Parker drained a 3-pointer moments later, with Kaleigh Norris earning the assist, and Ana-Isabel Andersson added a fast-break triple at 2:57 to trim the deficit to 22–21. Huffman closed the half with a layup in the final minute, but Frostburg State carried a 26–23 advantage into halftime.
Frostburg State opened the third quarter with a decisive run, extending its lead to 41–23 by the 3:48 mark behind strong performances from Mandy Roman and Ayla Hileman. West Liberty steadied itself late in the quarter with baskets from Norris and Brungard, cutting the margin to 45–31 heading into the final period.
West Liberty mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter, knocking down five 3-pointers in the frame. Baker ignited the surge with a triple at 7:55, once again assisted by Katie Lucarelli. The Hilltoppers continued to chip away, highlighted by a fast-break 3-pointer from Anna Lucarelli in the final minute to keep the game within reach.
Despite the late push, Frostburg State sealed the win with clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch. The Hilltoppers' 29-point fourth quarter marked their highest-scoring period of the night.
Huffman led West Liberty with 12 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 at the foul line. Anna Lucarelli finished with nine points and three steals, while Katie Lucarelli added eight points and three steals. Brungard chipped in six points and two blocks.
West Liberty returns to action on Saturday, traveling to Fairmont State for a 2 p.m. tip-off.
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.
