No. 16 West Liberty Edges Wheeling in Rivalry Showdown
Wheeling, W.Va. – The No. 16-ranked West Liberty University men's basketball team fended off a spirited challenge from county rival Wheeling University on Saturday, securing a hard-fought 99-92 victory at the McDonough Center.
In a game featuring 16 lead changes and 11 ties, the Hilltoppers (15-3, 9-2 MEC) edged ahead late to notch their 15th win of the season. West Liberty held a slim 53-50 advantage at halftime, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
With the score at 77-75 and just over five minutes remaining, JJ Harper sparked a decisive run with a clutch three-pointer to extend WLU's lead to 80-75. Harper continued his strong play, adding a key layup with 2:54 left to stretch the margin to 89-79, giving the Hilltoppers the cushion they needed to close out the victory.
Player Highlights
- JJ Harper: Led all scorers with a game-high 24 points, adding seven rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in a dominant two-way performance.
- Kyler D'Augustino: Contributed 18 points, keeping the Toppers steady throughout the game.
- John Dragas: Chipped in 17 points to fuel the offense.
- Lanyc Shuler: Added 11 points, providing key contributions down the stretch.
Up Next
The Hilltoppers return to the ASRC on Wednesday to host West Virginia State in another Mountain East Conference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Game Details:
- Final Score: West Liberty 99, Wheeling 92
- Venue: McDonough Center, Wheeling, W.Va.
- Attendance: 250
- Records: WLU (15-3, 9-2 MEC), WU (6-12, 1-9 MEC)