WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. -- No. 1 West Liberty survived the highly-anticipated top 10 matchup against No. 8 Fairmont State, 88-86, on Saturday afternoon in Mountain East Conference action at the ASRC in a game that was tied 10 times and had 17 lead changes.
 
With the win, West Liberty improves to 8-0 overall and 4-0 in the Mountain East Conference. FSU slips to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the league.
 
Jamel Morris drove to the basket late in the game but couldn't get a shot up before time expired to allow WLU to escape with the win. On the previous FSU possession, the Falcons also had the opportunity to tie or win the game at the foul line but both shots rimmed-off and the Falcons were forced to foul with just five-seconds remaining.
 
In addition to double-figure lead changes and ties in the game, neither team was able to build a lead of larger than seven in the game, including both teams being within five points throughout the entire second half.
 
Statistically, the Falcons outshot the Hilltoppers 47.7-41.7 percent from the field and FSU made two more baskets from behind the arc. Both teams shot less than 30 percent from three. The Falcons also had three fewer turnovers in the game.
 
However, the difference in the game came from the charity stripe, as West Liberty knocked-down 32-of-39 free throw attempts on 32 fouls whistled on FSU. Fairmont State struggled most of the afternoon from the free throw line, making just 16 of its 27 attempts (59.3). The Hilltoppers also held a commanding 45-33 advantage on the glass, including 15 offensive rebounds.
 
Matt Bingaya scored a team-high 18 points and seven rebounds before fouling out with 1:40 remaining in the game. Chase Connor, Vonte Montgomery and Morris also reached double figures with 11 points apiece. Thomas Wimbush also chipped in nine points before also fouling out with 2:24 remaining in the game.
 
Seger Bonifant and Devin Hoehn each scored 22 points to lead the Hilltoppers in the win. Bonifant also pulled down 10 boards as he and Zac Grossenbacher recorded double-doubles. Grossenbacher scored 17 points and grabbed 11 boards for West Liberty.
 
The Falcons will now prepare for a trip to Ohio Valley on Tuesday evening; game time is set for 7:30 p.m.