WHEELING, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's basketball team delivered another memorable postseason performance Saturday night, rallying late and surviving double overtime to defeat Glenville State 105-100 in the Mountain East Conference Tournament semifinals at WesBanco Arena.
With the victory, the Hilltoppers improve to 26-4 (18-2 MEC) and advance to the MEC Championship game for the eighth straight season and the 10th time in program history, where they hold a 4-5 all-time record in the title game. Their last time came in 2023.
West Liberty forced 28 turnovers and converted them into 33 points, while also dominating the glass with 48 rebounds, including 23 offensive boards, to outlast the Pioneers in a back-and-forth battle that featured 16 Glenville State three-pointers.
"What a basketball game," said head coach Mike Lamberti. "It's a little bit of a blur right now because it went back and forth the whole night. Glenville is really, really good. They've got two of the best guards in the league and they put on a show. But I'm proud of our guys for never giving up and sticking with it until the end."
West Liberty appeared to be in trouble late in regulation when Glenville State built a 74-65 lead with 3:34 remaining.
But the Hilltoppers turned up the pressure defense and closed the game on a 12-3 run.
A forced turnover set up a crucial out-of-bounds play that freed Myles Montgomery for a game-tying three-pointer with 30 seconds remaining.
"When coach called the play, I kind of knew where I was going and I had a feeling I was going to get an open look," Montgomery said. "As soon as it left my hands it felt good. I just trusted my teammates to get me the ball and set great screens."
Lamberti credited the team's defensive intensity for sparking the comeback.
"We told them we were going to amp up our pressure and just fly around," Lamberti said. "If we slowed the game down there weren't enough possessions left. Our defense won us the game. We forced turnovers and eventually wore them down."
The extra periods turned into a physical battle as both teams traded big plays.
West Liberty's depth eventually proved decisive as Glenville State's short rotation began to wear down and several key players fouled out.
"I mean those guys can really play," said Cameron Williams, who logged more than 38 minutes. "But when we were able to foul out a couple of their top guys it helped us on defense. Coach trusts us to play big minutes, so when we're out there we just try to play as hard as we can."
The Hilltoppers continued to create extra possessions through offensive rebounding and defensive pressure, finishing the game with 81 shot attempts compared to 65 for Glenville State.
"We've been focusing on rebounding and pressure since the Wheeling game," Lamberti said. "To get 23 offensive rebounds tonight after 26 last night shows how hard these guys are playing."
West Liberty placed five players in double figures in the victory.
Now the Hilltoppers turn their focus to Sunday's title game.
"We've been preparing for these moments all year," Williams said. "Coach will give us a good game plan and we'll just go out there and execute."
Montgomery said recovery will be key with the quick turnaround.
"We just have to get back, get rest and take care of our bodies," he said. "We've got a great trainer and we'll be ready to go tomorrow."
Lamberti echoed that confidence.
"These guys will get fueled up, get treatment, and be ready to rock and roll tomorrow," he said.
West Liberty will return to WesBanco Arena on Sunday at 4 p.m. to compete for the Mountain East Conference Championship.
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.
