WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — In a top-10 showdown inside the ASRC, No. 7 West Liberty held off No. 8 Fairmont State, 96-91, on Saturday afternoon to improve to 21-3 overall and 16-1 in Mountain East Conference play.
The Hilltoppers leaned on aggressive play and relentless transition offense, attempting 44 free throws and converting 33 while piling up 32 fast-break points. Fairmont State (20-4, 14-3 MEC) countered with 48 points in the paint, but West Liberty's depth and ability to get to the line proved decisive.
The first half featured eight ties and four lead changes as both teams traded runs. Myles Montgomery sparked the Hilltoppers early with a pair of strong drives to the basket, while Jamie Muldowney added a layup and free throw before knocking down a fast-break three-pointer midway through the half. Hayden Abdullah's steal at the 7:44 mark ignited another scoring opportunity as West Liberty capitalized on Falcon turnovers.
The Hilltoppers took a 35-32 edge into the locker room.
West Liberty gained separation early in the second half when Montgomery buried a three-pointer at 16:58 to shift momentum. From there, the Black & Gold controlled the tempo by attacking the rim and drawing contact. Abdullah and Cameron Williams were instrumental at the free-throw line as the Hilltoppers went 29-of-37 from the stripe in the second half alone.
Montgomery continued his steady scoring, drilling another key three-pointer with 5:38 remaining to help keep Fairmont State at bay. Despite a late push from the Falcons, West Liberty's transition game and timely defensive stops sealed the 96-91 victory.
Muldowney led all scorers with 26 points, knocking down four three-pointers and six free throws. Montgomery added 23 points and four triples while collecting three steals. Abdullah finished with 15 points and four assists, and Williams converted 10 free throws while adding four steals.
The afternoon also marked Senior Day for Dante Spadafora, adding another layer of significance to the rivalry win.
West Liberty will look to carry its momentum on the road Wednesday when the No. 7 Hilltoppers travel to Glenville State for another key MEC 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.
