×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

West Liberty Men Pummel Salem University, 117-67

WEST LIBERTY — After Daemen gave it its first loss of the season last Saturday in a cold-shooting performance, West Liberty came out of the gates hot for its first home game of the season.

The Hilltoppers scored the first 13 points of the contest, dished out 24 assists and forced 27 turnovers in a 117-67 stomping of Salem University Wednesday night at the ASRC.

West Liberty started its season with an unusual three-game road trip before tipping off at home. Last season, the Hilltoppers started the year with four straight games on their home court.

Coach Ben Howlett, though, wanted to challenge his young team. And he felt like his team would always be ready to tackle a challenge.

“I wanted to get these guys away from their comfort zone a little bit,” Howlett said. “Let’s go play somewhere we hadn’t played before. For years here, I think we always wanted to play at home and play teams we knew we were to beat. We’ll play anyone. I want to challenge these guys. I think if you would ask our guys if they would rather play a team they’re going to beat bad or a team that would challenge us, I think they’d rather want a team that is going to challenge us. I really think that. I think I got 13 guys on the roster that would want to play in big games and if we’re going to be as good as we want to be and make the NCAA tournament, let’s go play some NCAA tournament teams.”

Dalton Bolon led six double-figure scorers with 28 points going 5 of 10 from behind the arc while Pat Robinson III had a great first game in the ASRC. The Holy Family transfer bucketed 20 points on the night.

“At first it was a challenge,” Robinson said about getting used to West Liberty’s system. “We play so much faster. My teammates made it real easy to adjust. Coach Howlett and Coach (Mike) Lamberti, they just mentored me and I feel like I’m up to speed.”

Wheeling transfer and Magnolia graduate Preston Boswell also shined during his first home game in a Hilltoppers’ uniform. Boswell tallied 14 points and dished out six assists.

Bryce Butler scored 13 points while both Will Yoakum and Jon Allessandro tallied 10 to round out the double figure scorers.

Boswell, with his time as a Cardinal, played against the Hilltoppers’ press, giving him an advantage of making the transition to the style of play.

“It gave me an idea how teams look at our press,” Boswell said. “So I kind of had a perspective as an outsider and I think that helps me in the press a lot. I remember I hated when guys would get in my face. I just try to play as hard as I can all the time.”

West Liberty made its first four shots, three of which came from behind the arc. Yoakum started things off with hitting nothing but net followed by a Boswell long ball. Bolon responded with a 3-pointer of his own. After a forced turnover, a Yoakum lay-in made it 11-0 Hilltoppers with 17:15 left in the first half.

However, Salem didn’t go away in the early going. With West Liberty up 24-6, the Tigers went on a 10-0 run to get within eight, 24-16. A Bryce Butler 3-pointer with 11:07 left in the first put the Wet Liberty lead at 11. From there, the margin did get within single digits again.

Fonz Hale paced the Tigers with 20 points while Marko Tutunovic had 13 and Jordan Forbes had 10.

West Liberty will open up conference play Saturday as the Hilltoppers will make the trip to Urbana.

Wheeling 82, Malone 52

WHEELING — Led by a double-double from sophomore forward Emmanuel Ansong, the Wheeling University men’s basketball team cruised to a win over Malone in a non-conference game inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center.

The win moves first-year coach Will Ryan’s Cardinals to 2-0 overall. Meanwhile, the Pioneers drop to 2-3 this season.

Ansong, the reigning Mountain East Conference Player of the Week, registered his second double-double in as many games as he poured in 23 points and collected 11 rebounds (four offensive).

Three other Cardinals scored in double-figures. Junior guard Jordan Reid finished with 14 points on 6 of 10 shooting, while both sophomore guard Jay Gentry and junior guard Jarett Haines each posted 10 points in the win.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today