ELKINS, W. Va. — West Liberty demonstrated why they hold a top-20 national ranking in their 103-73 victory over Davis & Elkins on Saturday afternoon in the McDonnell Center.
Following a slow start, the Hilltoppers took control and demonstrated their high octane offense, as six West Liberty players finished in double figures. The Hilltoppers attempted 79 shots, including 34 from beyond the arc to eclipse the 100 point mark for the fifth time this season.
The Senators shot 57 percent from the floor, but the sheer volume of the Hilltopper offense was difficult to contain.
Myles Monroe led D&E with 21 points and five rebounds, while
Donte Doleman finished with 18 points and four assists.
Erkam Kiris added 15 points, and set a career-high in blocks with six.
Patrick Wilburn finished with nine points and had two steals.
THE RUNDOWN
• West Liberty — 103 (6-2, 3-1 MEC)
• Davis & Elkins –- 73 (4-5, 2-2 MEC)
• The McDonnell Center – Elkins, W. Va.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• After exchanging baskets early, the Hilltoppers showed off their potent offense with a 9-0 run to take a 14-7 lead with 13 minutes left in the first half.
• In the first half, West Liberty nearly doubled the amount of shot attempts taken by the Senators to establish control of the game.
• Early in the second half, D&E cut the deficit to 12, but the Hilltoppers pounced in the second half to develop a permanent lead.
GAME NOTES
• Kiris' six blocks were the most by a D&E player since Rickenjee Bellevue had six against Trevecca Nazarene in February 2017.
• Monroe's 21 points were his season-best.
• The Senators struggled from long range, going 3-for-13 on three point attempts.
UP NEXT
D&E plays host to Notre Dame (Ohio) on Thursday night at 7:30 P.M. This will be their final home game before the winter break, immediately following the women's game.
