FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The No. 13-ranked West Liberty University men's basketball team puts its perfect Mountain East Conference record on the line Saturday afternoon, traveling to Joe Retton Arena for a 4 p.m. showdown with longtime rival Fairmont State.
The Hilltoppers enter the weekend at 10-2 overall and 5-0 in league play, riding a two-game winning streak following Wednesday's 117-94 home victory over Frostburg State. Fairmont State sits third in the MEC standings at 10-3 overall and 5-2 in conference action after a narrow 74-71 win at Wheeling earlier this week.
West Liberty has been the league's most explosive offensive team through the season's first two months, leading the MEC in scoring (97.3 ppg), scoring margin (+17.4), assists (19.1 per game), steals (13.3 per game), turnover margin (+10.1) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.50). The Hilltoppers are also second in the conference in field-goal percentage (.490) and three-pointers made per game (10.4).
Head coach Mike Lamberti's squad features one of the deepest rotations in Division II, with nine players averaging at least 6.8 points per game. Jamie Muldowney leads the Hilltoppers at 13.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest, while Cameron Williams (10.8 ppg) and Dante Spadafora (10.1 ppg) both average double figures. Peter Lattos has been highly efficient inside, shooting 67.6 percent from the field, while Myles Montgomery, Landon Butler, and Terrance Pankey each average more than 8.0 points per game.
West Liberty's pressure defense has been a defining factor, forcing nearly 23 turnovers per game and converting those miscues into 28.2 points per contest.
Fairmont State counters with a balanced and physical lineup that ranks among the league leaders in scoring defense (72.8 ppg) and rebounding margin (+6.4). The Falcons average 87.2 points per game and shoot 46.9 percent from the field while pulling down nearly 40 rebounds per contest.
Drey Carter leads Fairmont State with 16.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while Miguel Martinez (13.3 ppg), David Jolinder (12.7 ppg), and CJ Meredith (11.5 ppg) provide additional scoring punch. Rene Diop anchors the interior, averaging 8.4 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 66.2 percent from the floor.
The matchup renews one of the MEC's most storied rivalries. Fairmont State holds a narrow 99-90 edge in the all-time series, but West Liberty has won eight of the last 10 meetings, including both regular-season contests last year. The Hilltoppers also claimed an 81-77 road win in Fairmont on Feb. 15, 2025.
Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. inside Joe Retton Arena.
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.
