GLENVILLE, W.Va. - In a matchup that carried major Mountain East Conference implications, Glenville State went punch-for-punch with nationally ranked West Liberty for stretches Wednesday (Feb. 18) night. But in the end, it was the Hilltoppers' depth and bench production that proved decisive, as West Liberty wore down the Pioneers for a 95–80 win inside the Waco Center.
West Liberty (22–3, 17–1 MEC) placed five players in double figures and received 44 points off the bench, using waves of fresh bodies to withstand Glenville's second-half surge. Glenville State fell to (16–9, 10–7 MEC) with the defeat.
1st Half
The Pioneers came out aggressive. Jalen Knott knocked down an early three, Don Colon-Lewis converted inside, and Glenville built a quick 9–3 lead. The energy was there early as the Pioneers attacked the paint and forced turnovers. But West Liberty responded with composure. Peter Lattos and Jamie Muldowney provided a spark off the bench, helping shift momentum midway through the half. Glenville began to feel the impact of foul trouble, as Colon-Lewis picked up early fouls that limited his minutes — ultimately his lowest total of the season. Ammar Maxwell and Elijah Redfern were also forced to play cautiously as whistles mounted. West Liberty capitalized at the free throw line and on the glass, closing the half on a strong run. A late three from Max Hurray extended the margin, and the Hilltoppers carried a 57–39 lead into halftime after shooting 54 percent in the opening 20 minutes.
2nd Half
Glenville refused to go away. Colon-Lewis opened the half with a three and a strong finish at the rim. Maxwell added a transition bucket, and the Pioneers trimmed the deficit to 11 early. The push continued midway through the half. Corey Boulden hit from deep. Garrison Kisner finished inside. Knott attacked downhill and later drilled a three that cut the margin to 76–69 with just over 10 minutes remaining. The Waco Center came alive as Glenville made it a two-possession game. But every time the Pioneers threatened, West Liberty answered.
Timely threes from Landon Butler and Cameron Williams halted momentum, while the Hilltoppers controlled second-chance opportunities and converted at the free throw line. Glenville's foul situation worsened late, as Redfern fouled out following a technical sequence and Maxwell also exited due to fouls. Knott finished the night playing with four fouls, limiting defensive aggression. Despite winning the second half 41–38, the early deficit and depth advantage proved too much to overcome.
Final Stats
West Liberty
- Myles Montgomery – 24 points, 6 rebounds
- Jamie Muldowney – 17 points, 9 rebounds
- Peter Lattos – 17 points, 8 rebounds
- Cameron Williams – 12 points
- Landon Butler – 10 points
Glenville State
Up Next For The Pioneers
The Pioneers have a big rematch with Wheeling slated for Saturday (Feb. 21) on the road. Tip is set for 4 p.m.
