ELKINS, W. Va. — Vegas Evans poured in a game-high 28 points, but West Liberty held off Davis & Elkins 101-97 in a Mountain East Conference men's basketball contest Saturday evening at the McDonnell Center.

West Liberty led 57-48 at halftime and never relinquished the advantage, though the Senators made several pushes in the second half and trimmed the deficit to four points multiple times in the final two minutes. The Hilltoppers sealed the win at the free-throw line, going 23-of-34 for the game and scoring the final point with eight seconds remaining.

Evans finished 9-of-13 from the field and added nine rebounds, four assists and nine free throws for D&E. Matthew Gray followed with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Nnadozie Okoroji knocked down four 3-pointers and scored 15 points. Malachi Hampton added 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting off the bench.

Davis & Elkins shot 50 percent from the field and matched West Liberty with 54 points in the paint, but the Hilltoppers converted 19 points off turnovers and received 49 points from their bench.

West Liberty was led by balanced scoring, placing nine players in double figures. Jamie Muldowney scored 14 points, while Landon Butler added 12. Myles Montgomery, Terrance Pankey Jr. and Cameron Williams each finished with 11 points, and Max Hurray and Aiden Davis chipped in 10 apiece.

The Senators return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 7, when they host Glenville State University in MEC play. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the McDonnell Center.