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WEST LIBERTY -- The West Liberty University men’s basketball team put together an explosive offensive performance Friday night, rolling past Pitt-Johnstown, 123-84, at the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC).
The Hilltoppers (2-1) used a pair of major first-half scoring runs to build a 64-36 halftime advantage before continuing their offensive attack in the second half. West Liberty finished with 45 field goals, including 15 3-pointers, while recording 22 assists and 14 steals.
Myles Montgomery led the way with 28 points, tying his career high. He went 10-of-14 from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, while adding three assists and two steals.
West Liberty overcame an early 12-11 deficit with a 12-0 run to take a 23-12 lead. The Hilltoppers followed with another 13 unanswered points, extending the advantage to 36-14. The offensive surge continued as West Liberty carried a 64-36 lead into the break after shooting 23-of-37 from the field and 9-of-13 from 3-point range.
The Hilltoppers opened the second half with another strong stretch, scoring 10 consecutive points to turn a 64-38 lead into a 74-38 advantage. West Liberty continued to build its lead with another nine-point run later in the half, pushing the margin from 103-71 to 112-71 on its way to the 123-84 victory.
West Liberty shot 45-of-74 (60.8%) from the field and 15-of-25 (60.0%) from 3-point range. The Hilltoppers also forced 23 Pitt-Johnstown turnovers, converting them into 33 points, and held a 38-29 advantage in rebounding. West Liberty finished with 54 points in the paint, 20 fast-break points and a commanding 64-25 edge in bench scoring.
Jamie Muldowney added 16 points and seven rebounds, going 9-of-10 at the free-throw line. Aiden Davis contributed 13 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded three steals, while Kai Spears also scored 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Spears added four assists without committing a turnover.
The Hilltoppers will close out the Atlantic Region Crossover on Saturday, hosting California (Pa.) at 4 p.m. at the ASRC.