BUCKHANNON — The West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats put together a competitive first half but was unable to slow the Mountain East Conference’s top scoring offense as No.1-ranked West Liberty pulled away for a 110–81 Mountain East Conference victory Saturday afternoon at the Rockefeller Center.
The Bobcats matched West Liberty’s pace early and trailed just 55–44 at halftime after shooting 48.5 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes. Wesleyan traded baskets through multiple lead changes in the first half, highlighted by strong perimeter shooting from Curtis Litton, who knocked down four three-pointers before the break. Despite the Hilltoppers’ pressure and tempo, Wesleyan stayed within striking distance by sharing the ball and finishing efficiently in the paint.
West Liberty seized control early in the second half. The Hilltoppers scored 55 second-half points, capitalizing on 31 points off turnovers and 26 fast-break points to extend the margin to double figures and eventually put the game out of reach. West Liberty finished the night with 44 bench points and shot 47.4 percent from the field overall.
Litton led the Bobcats with 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting while adding seven rebounds. Lamont Jones provided a spark off the bench with 12 points and four rebounds, and Jerell Jean-Baptiste chipped in nine points. Wesleyan finished the game shooting 43.8 percent from the field but was limited to 25.0 percent from three-point range in the second half.
West Liberty was paced by Cameron Williams, who scored 24 points while adding eight rebounds and five assists. Landon Butler followed with 20 points, and the Hilltoppers placed seven players in double figures, underscoring their depth and balance.
Wesleyan travels to Concord University Wednesday, Feb. 11 for a 7:30 tip.
