WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — First place in the Mountain East Conference will be on the line Saturday at 4 p.m. inside the ASRC as No. 7 West Liberty Hilltoppers men's basketball welcomes No. 8 Fairmont State Falcons men's basketball.
Both teams enter at 20-3 overall, with West Liberty leading the MEC at 15-1 and Fairmont State just behind at 14-2. The Hilltoppers carry a 10-game winning streak into the matchup, while the Falcons have won 11 straight.
Notably, West Liberty's last loss came at Fairmont State on Jan. 10 (99-89).
West Liberty leads the MEC in scoring at 98.7 points per game and ranks second nationally in scoring offense (98.0 ppg in NCAA stats). The Hilltoppers own a +17.0 scoring margin, eighth nationally.
Fairmont State averages 90.9 points per game — third in the league — and ranks sixth nationally in scoring margin at +17.4. The Falcons also boast the MEC's top scoring defense, allowing just 73.5 points per game.
From beyond the arc, both teams are among the nation's best. Fairmont State ranks third nationally in 3-pointers per game (11.3) and shoots 39.6% from deep. West Liberty averages 10.6 made threes per contest and ranks among the national leaders in 3-point attempts per game (30.4).
The Hilltoppers' depth continues to be a defining strength. West Liberty leads the nation in bench scoring at 48.8 points per game and ranks:
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1st nationally in bench points per game
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3rd nationally in turnover margin (+7.9)
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3rd nationally in turnovers forced per game (20.2)
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5th nationally in steals per game (12.3)
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T-5th nationally in assists per game (19.0)
West Liberty has forced 20 or more turnovers in 14 games this season and averages 24.5 points off turnovers.
Fairmont State is equally efficient, ranking second in the MEC in field goal percentage (.493) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.47). The Falcons also lead the conference in rebounding margin at +6.9.
West Liberty features five players averaging double figures, led by Jamie Muldowney (13.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg). Cameron Williams (12.1 ppg), Myles Montgomery (11.8 ppg, 55.1% FG), and Dante Spadafora (10.8 ppg, 84.0% FT) provide balance, while Peter Lattos anchors the interior at 64.4% shooting.
Fairmont State is paced by Drey Carter (16.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 62.4% FG). Miguel Martinez (14.0 ppg, 73 3-pointers) and CJ Meredith (12.7 ppg, 43.3% from three) headline a Falcons team with five double-figure scorers.
Saturday marks the 191st meeting in a rivalry Fairmont State leads 99-91. The series has produced numerous postseason classics and high-scoring battles, including last season's triple-overtime MEC Tournament matchup.
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.
