WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's basketball team overcame multiple double-digit deficits Saturday afternoon, using a decisive second-half run to defeat California (Pa.), 91-83, at the ASRC as part of the Atlantic Region Crossover hosted by West Liberty.
The Hilltoppers improved to 3-1 on the season, forcing 23 turnovers and converting them into 37 points. West Liberty also received 50 points from its bench and outscored the Vulcans 53-41 in the second half after trailing 42-38 at halftime.
West Liberty faced an early 26-14 deficit before responding with a 9-0 run, with
Cameron Williams accounting for all nine points to pull the Hilltoppers within three. Back-to-back 3-pointers from
Judson Coan gave West Liberty a 29-28 advantage, and
Jamie Muldowney added two free throws to push the lead to 31-28.
California (Pa.) regained the lead late in the half, with Charles Okafor's tip-in at the buzzer sending the Vulcans into the break ahead 42-38.
The Hilltoppers continued to battle in the second half, eventually turning a 55-45 deficit into a 57-55 lead with a 12-0 run. Coan scored eight consecutive points during the stretch, and Muldowney's layup with 12:35 remaining put West Liberty in front.
After California (Pa.) answered to take a 65-61 lead, West Liberty delivered another key stretch, scoring 10 unanswered points to move ahead 71-65. Muldowney scored the first eight points of the run before
Cody Schmitz converted two free throws to complete it.
West Liberty's defensive pressure proved critical throughout the afternoon. The Hilltoppers recorded 14 steals and held a 37-21 advantage in points off turnovers. They also finished with a 32-18 edge in fast-break points and shot 9-of-22 from 3-point range.
Williams led the Hilltoppers with 24 points, connecting on three 3-pointers and going 9-of-14 at the free-throw line. Muldowney added 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and made seven of eight free throws. Coan finished with 17 points, knocking down five 3-pointers while adding two steals.
Peter Lattos contributed six points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
The Hilltoppers will return to the road next Saturday when they visit Shepherd.
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.
