WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University will welcome a strong field of college basketball teams and local high school rivals to the Hilltop this December for the Hilltopper Classic, presented by Belmont Savings Bank and Project BEST.

The two-day event is scheduled for Dec. 18-19 at the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC) and will feature West Liberty, Adelphi, Nova Southeastern and Point Park, along with a high school matchup between Wheeling Park and Brooke.

West Liberty opens play at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 against Adelphi before returning to the court at 4 p.m. Dec. 19 to face Nova Southeastern. The schedule also features Nova Southeastern against Point Park at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 18, followed by Wheeling Park versus Brooke at 5:30 p.m. Adelphi and Point Park will meet at 2 p.m. Dec. 19.

"We're excited to be able to pull off this event and bring in some high-quality competition to give some fans and supporters a pretty darn good event the weekend before Christmas," West Liberty head coach Mike Lamberti said. "It's just going to be really good basketball, and I think that makes it fun."

The Classic also brings a special storyline for Lamberti, who will face his former coach as Nova Southeastern makes the trip to West Liberty. Lamberti said the matchup adds to the excitement of an event designed to combine high-level college basketball with local connections and community involvement.

"Not only will it have some cool storylines with it, with local flair and people that have been here before, but it's just going to be really good basketball," Lamberti said.

Belmont Savings Bank is represented by Todd Cover, while Nathan Butts represents Project BEST. Both sponsors expressed enthusiasm about supporting the event and West Liberty University athletics.

"It's a one-of-its-kind event," Cover said. "The quality of competition is going to be off the charts, and it's just exciting for us to be a part of that."

Butts, a West Liberty graduate and basketball fan, said the event was a natural fit for Project BEST, noting the connections many of the organization's contractors have to the University.

"I felt like it was a great opportunity to jump in, get our name out there," Butts said. "I'm excited to see this happening."

Lamberti said the Classic is an opportunity to showcase West Liberty and provide student-athletes and fans with an experience that could become a lasting tradition. The Hilltopper community has long supported the program, and the event aims to bring more fans into the ASRC for quality basketball just before the holidays.

"West Liberty is this hidden gem up here in the rolling hills of West Virginia," Lamberti said. "Events like this allow a broader range of people to really see how special this place is."

The Hilltopper Classic presented by Belmont Savings Bank and Project BEST runs Dec. 18-19 at the ASRC. West Liberty is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 against Adelphi and at 4 p.m. Dec. 19 against Nova Southeastern.



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.