Watch the full game archive of #8 WV State vs. #9 West Liberty in round 1 of the 25/26 MEC Women's Basketball Tournament.

Game produced by WV Video Productions

West Liberty held off a late rally from West Virginia State to earn a 78–72 victory Wednesday at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling.

The Hilltoppers built their advantage over the first three quarters, using efficient shooting and a steady offensive attack to gradually create separation. West Liberty led 19–17 after the first quarter and extended the margin to 37–32 by halftime before pushing the lead to 56–43 entering the fourth quarter.

West Virginia State made a strong push in the final period, outscoring the Hilltoppers 29–22 behind a big performance from Baylee Goins and Imani Hickman. Goins finished with a game-high 23 points, while Hickman added 21 and Emily Anthony chipped in 14 points for the Yellow Jackets.

Despite the late surge, West Liberty maintained enough cushion to secure the win, fueled by a balanced scoring effort led by Reagan Vinskovich’s 24 points and eight rebounds. Anna Lucarelli added 20 points, converting 12 free throws, while Ana-Isabel Andersson Rodriguez contributed 15 points. The Hilltoppers capitalized at the foul line, finishing 28-of-39 on free throws to help seal the six-point victory.

West Liberty also controlled the glass with 40 rebounds and generated 17 fast-break points to offset West Virginia State’s strong fourth-quarter push.