FROSTBURG, Md. — The No. 7-ranked West Liberty Hilltoppers men's basketball team delivered a signature comeback Wednesday night, erasing a 19-point second-half deficit to defeat the Frostburg State Bobcats 112-108 at Bobcat Arena.
The victory improves West Liberty to 20-3 overall and 15-1 in the Mountain East Conference, extends its winning streak to 10 games, and marks the program's 21st consecutive 20-win season (excluding the COVID-shortened year).
After trailing 66-51 at halftime, the Hilltoppers fell behind by as many as 19 points early in the second half before flipping the momentum with relentless pace and pressure defense. West Liberty exploded for 61 second-half points, forcing key turnovers that turned into 20 points and dominating inside with a 56-48 edge in the paint.
The Hilltoppers kept contact in the opening half behind transition offense and strong interior play, but Frostburg built separation late in the period to take a 15-point lead into the break.
The comeback began immediately after halftime. Hayden Abdullah knocked down a three-pointer to spark the surge, and West Liberty steadily chipped away behind aggressive drives from Cameron Williams and efficient scoring from Myles Montgomery. Montgomery tied the game at 99 with 4:36 remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Jamie Muldowney drained a go-ahead three-pointer at the 4:01 mark to give West Liberty its first lead since the opening half. Landon Butler converted crucial free throws in the final minute, and Dante Spadafora sealed the win at the stripe with five seconds remaining.
Montgomery led the charge with 28 points, shooting 9-of-10 from the field, including three 3-pointers. Williams added 21 points and seven rebounds, Spadafora finished with 18 points and three steals, and Butler chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds.
West Liberty now returns home for a marquee showdown Saturday, hosting No. 8-ranked Fairmont State in a matchup of top-10 teams at 4 p.m. inside the ASRC.