FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Fourth-ranked West Liberty scored 22 points off turnovers and had 24 second-chance points in a 96-84 victory over No. 21 Fairmont State on Wednesday evening in a battle of two nationally-ranked Mountain East Conference programs.
With the win, the Hilltoppers improve to 3-0 (3-0 MEC) on the season, while Fairmont State suffered its first loss of the year and slipped to 2-1 (2-1 MEC).
The Hilltoppers had a 52-43 edge on the glass, including 23-9 margin on the offensive glass. WLU took advantage of those offensive rebounds and outscored Fairmont State 24-8 in second-chance points. The Hilltoppers also forced 19 Fairmont State turnovers.
Both teams struggled from the field, particularly in the first half with both teams shooting under 40 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes. Fairmont State ended up outshooting West Liberty 44.8% to 37.0%. However, the Hilltoppers held a 10-3 advantage in 3-point field goals. The Falcons struggled from behind the arc making just 3-of-22 attempts (13.6%).
Isaiah Sanders had a double-double for the second-consecutive game to lead Fairmont State with 20 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. The 14 rebounds set a new career high that the junior just surpassed on Sunday against D&E with a 13-rebound performance.
Cole VonHandorf also scored 17 following a 7-of-7 performance from the free throw line, while
Dale Bonner had 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Zyon Dobbs netted 13 points, and
Seth Younkin came off the bench to contribute 12 points and seven rebounds in the post.
Bolon hit four threes on the night and was also 6-for-6 from the free throw line to finish with 20 points to lead WLU. Pat Robinson had 19 points and six rebounds, and Will Yoakum had 18 points -- 15 of those coming in the second half. Bryce Butler added 11 points, six rebounds and a team-high five assists. Malik McKinney and Owen Hazelbaker each had 10 points apiece to give the 'Toppers six double-figure scorers.
Fairmont State will return to action on Saturday at 4 p.m. when they travel to Wheeling University for a matchup with the Cardinals.
