West Liberty, W.Va. - West Liberty University's No. 6-ranked men's basketball team hits the road tonight for a 7:30 p.m. matchup against Salem University as the Hilltoppers look to continue their championship momentum.
West Liberty (23-3, 18-1 MEC) clinched its ninth consecutive Mountain East Conference regular season championship and 12th title in the 13-year history of the league with Sunday's 109-82 win over Concord. The Hilltoppers once again showcased the identity that has made them one of the nation's elite programs — relentless defensive pressure and explosive transition offense.
Against Concord, West Liberty forced 24 turnovers and turned them into 44 points while dominating the paint with 56 points inside. Myles Montgomery led the way with 22 points, three three-pointers and two steals. Peter Lattos added 17 points on an ultra-efficient 6-of-7 shooting night with six rebounds, while Landon Butler and Cameron Williams chipped in 11 points apiece.
The Hilltoppers enter tonight's game ranked among the nation's best statistically:
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No. 2 in NCAA Division II Scoring Offense (98.8 ppg)
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No. 8 nationally in Scoring Margin (+16.9)
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No. 3 in Turnover Margin (+7.6)
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No. 3 in Turnovers Forced Per Game (20.0)
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No. 4 in Steals Per Game (12.1)
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No. 1 in the nation in Bench Points Per Game (48.3)
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No. 6 in Assists Per Game (18.7)
West Liberty also leads the Mountain East Conference in scoring, assists, steals, turnover margin and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.50).
Montgomery leads the MEC in steals (70 / 2.7 per game) and has emerged as one of the league's most disruptive two-way players. Jamie Muldowney (13.7 ppg) anchors the glass with 6.4 rebounds per game, while Montgomery (13.1), Cameron Williams (12.1) and Dante Spadafora (10.5) give the Hilltoppers four double-figure scorers. Lattos continues to provide one of the most efficient scoring seasons in the conference, shooting 65.5 percent from the floor
Salem (8-17) enters averaging 77.8 points per game but allowing 89.7 per contest. Zahki Fallen leads the Tigers at 19.5 points per game and shoots 40 percent from three-point range. Eman Lawal adds 17.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, while Jamari Gamble contributes 14.8 points.
Salem averages 16.4 turnovers per game and owns a negative turnover margin (-3.6), a stat that could prove critical against West Liberty's pressure defense. The Tigers have also allowed opponents to shoot 35.4 percent from three-point range and 89.7 points per game.
West Liberty holds a 68-66 edge in the all-time series and has won the last nine meetings dating back to 2014. Earlier this season, the Hilltoppers rolled to a 112-67 victory inside the ASRC, knocking down 17 three-pointers and forcing 27 turnovers.
West Liberty's depth and tempo remain the difference-makers. The Hilltoppers average nearly 20 fast-break points per game and attempt over 30 three-pointers per contest, stretching defenses while attacking downhill.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Salem, W.Va.
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.
