WHEELING, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's basketball team capped an impressive season Sunday afternoon with a 93-88 victory over Fairmont State to win the 2026 Mountain East Conference Championship at WesBanco Arena.

The Hilltoppers (27-4) used a dominant first half and held off a late Falcons rally to secure their fifth MEC Tournament title and first since 2023.

The victory also marked West Liberty's eighth consecutive appearance in the MEC Championship Game and 10th all-time, continuing the program's remarkable run of postseason success.

With the win, the Hilltoppers also clinched their 17th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, breaking their own Division II record of 16 straight NCAA berths set last season.

West Liberty will learn its official NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional seeding tonight during the selection show at 11 p.m.

West Liberty came out firing early.

A layup by Landon Butler, assisted by Myles Montgomery, opened the scoring and ignited a strong offensive start as the Hilltoppers pushed the tempo and forced turnovers.

West Liberty shot 56 percent from the field in the first half, knocking down multiple three-pointers and building a 51-30 halftime lead.

"We obviously came out pretty hot in the first half, hitting a bunch of shots," head coach Mike Lamberti said. "That 21-point lead going into halftime was huge because Fairmont really put their foot on the gas in the second half."

Fairmont State mounted a charge after the break, pouring in 58 second-half points and trimming the deficit late in the game.

Despite the surge, West Liberty responded with timely baskets and key defensive stops to maintain control.

"It was a heck of a college basketball game," Lamberti said. "Fairmont didn't go away and they made it tough on us, but that quick start gave us enough cushion to hold on."

Freshman guard Myles Montgomery capped a stellar weekend by being named Mountain East Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player.

"It feels really good," Montgomery said. "It's a blessing to have this, but it's a whole team effort. There are so many guys on this team that could have won that trophy. We just focus on winning together."

Montgomery also broke the MEC Tournament record for steals, continuing his disruptive defensive play throughout the three-game run.

"I always try to have a defensive mindset," Montgomery said. "We play fast and trap a lot. My teammates get the traps and sometimes the ball just finds me."

Montgomery and fellow freshman Cameron Williams were both named to the All-Tournament Team, highlighting the impact of West Liberty's young core.

Williams said the team's chemistry and belief in the program helped fuel the championship run.

"Me and Miles have been playing together for a couple of years and we knew we wanted to play in this system," Williams said. "When Coach Lamberti got the job, we were fired up and ready to go."

Lamberti praised his team's work ethic and resilience throughout the season.

"We've got guys that show up every day wired to get better," Lamberti said. "Fourteen new players, three freshmen starting, and they're sitting here as regular season and tournament champions. I think it's one of the best stories in Division II basketball."

West Liberty placed five players in double figures, led by Peter Lattos with 18 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting performance.

Top Performers

Peter Lattos

• 18 points
   

• 8-of-9 shooting
   

• 1 block
   

Hayden Abdullah

• 13 points
   

• 6-of-10 shooting
   

Myles Montgomery

• 13 points
   

• 3 steals
   

Cameron Williams

• 12 points
   

• 3-of-3 from three-point range
   

Aiden Davis

• 11 points
   

• 3 three-pointers
   

All-Tournament Team

Several standout performers from across the conference were recognized following the championship game.

All-Tournament Team

• Bobacar Djigo — Charleston
   

• Trey Simmons — Frostburg State
   

• Jalen Knott — Glenville State
   

• Miguel Martinez — Fairmont State
   

• Drey Carter — Fairmont State
   

• Jamie Muldowney — West Liberty
   

• Cameron Williams — West Liberty
   

Tournament MVP

• Myles Montgomery — West Liberty
   

Up Next

West Liberty will now turn its attention to the NCAA Tournament.

The Hilltoppers will find out their Atlantic Regional seed tonight at 11 p.m. during the NCAA Division II Selection Show, as the program prepares for its record-breaking 17th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

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.