By: Bryan Shepherd, Sports Information Director
Game Preview: West Virginia State vs. West Liberty
Date/Time:Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 7:30 PM
Location: ASRC, West Liberty, W.Va.
Game Type: Mountain East Conference Men's Basketball
Team Records
West Liberty
- Overall Record: 15-3 (.833)
- Conference Record: 9-2 (.818)
- Home Record: 8-1
West Virginia State
- Overall Record: 9-8 (.529)
- Conference Record: 6-5 (.545)
- Away Record: 4-5
Rankings:
    West Liberty is ranked #14 in this week's D2CRC poll.
Recent Performance
WVSU Last 5 Games
- 01/11/2025 – at Point Park L, 75-76
- 01/15/2025 – at Davis & Elkins L, 79-80
- 01/20/2025 – vs. West Va. Wesleyan W, 101-83
- 01/22/2025 – at Glenville St. W, 92-82
- 01/25/2025 – vs Charleston (WV) W, 67-64
WLU Last 5 Games
- 01/11/2025 – vs. Fairmont St. W, 103-87
- 01/15/2025 – vs. Concord L, 77-85
- 01/18/2025 – at Glenville St. W, 103-96
- 01/23/2025 – at Point Park W, 112-73
- 01/25/2025 – at Wheeling W, 99-92
Head-to-Head History: WVSU vs. West Liberty
- Overall Record: WLU leads 25-15
- Conference Record: WLU leads 24-14
- Last Matchup: 12/14/2024 – WLU won 80-78 (at WVSU)
- Current Streak: WLU 1-game win streak
- Longest Win Streak (WVSU): 5 games (2019-2021)
- Longest Losing Streak (WVSU): 9 games (2/16/2004 - 2/17/2011)
- Home Record (WVSU): 7-9
- Away Record (WVSU): 5-12
- Neutral Site Record: 1-1
- Largest Margin of Victory (WVSU): W 90-64 (1/3/2017)
- Smallest Margin of Victory (WVSU): W 73-70 (1/11/2013)
Recent Matchups
- 12/14/2024: WLU 80, WVSU 78 (at WVSU)
- 01/31/2024: WVSU 91, WLU 80 (at WVSU)
- 12/09/2023: WVSU 78, WLU 61 (at West Liberty)
- 01/28/2023: WLU 101, WVSU 92 (at WVSU)
- 12/10/2022: WVSU 80, WLU 76 (at West Liberty)
Team Insights
West Virginia State (WVSU)
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Key Players:
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Strengths:
- Rebounding dominance – WVSU excels in rebounding, averaging 39.65 per game (3rd in the conference).
- Charity Stripe – WVSU converts 72.3% of their attempts (4th in the MEC).
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Challenges:
- Fire at will – The team has struggled defensively, allowing 83.4 points per game, ranking 8th in the MEC.
- Ball security – WVSU is 7th in the conference with a -2.18 turnover margin. They've committed 250 turnovers, third worst in the Mountain East.
West Liberty (WLU)
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Key Players:
- Kyler D'Augustino: 17.5 PPG (3rd MEC) 1.7 SPG (7th MEC)
- JJ Harper: 16.0 PPG (9th MEC), 4.0 RPG
- Finley Woodward: 4.4 APG (3rd MEC)
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Strengths:
- Light's Out – West Liberty has the top scoring offense in the Conference by far, averaging 95.1 points per game. Fairmont State is second in points scored with 86.7.
- Unselfish Distribution – The Hilltoppers rank top of the conference in Assists per game with 21.1.
- Plenty of Margin for Error – West Liberty boasts a +7.8 turnover margin, nearly double that of Frostburg State who sits in second with a +4.4.
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Challenges:
- Rebounding struggles – The Hilltoppers are 7th in the MEC in offensive rebounding (11.72 per game) and last rebounds allowed (42.3 per game).
- Treys find a way – Despite having the top scoring offense in the conference, the Hilltoppers are 8th in the conference for perimeter shooting, shooting just 34.1% from beyond the arc. However, they do chuck and score the most threes, firing 563 attempts and converting 192 of them.
Coaching Matchup
Key Game Insights
High-Scoring Battle
This game promises to be a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, with West Liberty leading the Mountain East Conference in points per game (95.06). They will look to use their offensive depth to overwhelm WVSU, who is also a high-scoring team, averaging 85.0 points per game. The offensive battle will likely be won by whichever team can make the most of their opportunities in transition and capitalize on open shots.
West Liberty's Offensive Efficiency vs. WVSU's Defensive Struggles
West Liberty has a proven ability to score efficiently, averaging 21.11 assists per game. They are also known for their ball movement, with several key contributors able to facilitate the offense. On the other hand, WVSU has struggled defensively, allowing 83.4 points per game (8th in the MEC). West Liberty will likely look to exploit this defensive weakness, pushing the tempo and creating fast-break opportunities.
Rebounding Battle
Rebounding will play a crucial role in this matchup. West Virginia State has a solid rebounding margin, ranking 3rd in the MEC with an average of 39.65 rebounds per game. WLU, while averaging an impressive 42.3 rebounds per game, has struggled defensively on the boards, allowing 42.33 rebounds per game. The team that can dominate on the glass will have a significant advantage in terms of second-chance points and controlling the game's tempo.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Slack, Jae (WVSU) vs. D'Augustino, Kyler (WLU): A battle of two dynamic playmakers. Slack's scoring ability and ability to distribute the ball could be a key for WVSU, while D'Augustino's sharp shooting and court vision make him a constant threat for WLU.
- Martinez, Miguel (WVSU) vs. Woodward, Finley (WLU): Both players have been key contributors for their teams. Martinez will need to provide consistent scoring and rebounding, while Woodward's ability to distribute and defend will be critical for West Liberty's success.
Free-Throw Shooting: A Key to Success
Both teams have shown strong ability at the free-throw line. West Liberty converts 72.2% of their free throws, while WVSU boasts a slightly higher percentage at 72.3%. The team that can get to the line more often and convert their free throws will have an edge in what should be a tightly contested game.
