WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Virginia State saved its best basketball for last Monday night.

The Yellow Jackets poured in 28 fourth-quarter points, erased a second-half deficit and closed out a 77–74 Mountain East Conference road victory over West Liberty on Jan. 19 inside the ASRC. WVSU outscored the Hilltoppers by nine over the final 10 minutes, leaning on defensive pressure, timely free throws and a late surge in transition to seal the win.

West Virginia State seized control in the fourth quarter by tightening defensively and winning the possession battle. After tying the game at 57–57 on a pair of free throws with 8:18 remaining, the Yellow Jackets took the lead for good when Latisha Parris knocked down two foul shots at 7:48. From there, State repeatedly forced empty possessions, limiting West Liberty to single-shot trips and preventing second chances. The Hilltoppers managed just one offensive rebound in the opening minute of the quarter and none thereafter, as WVSU consistently finished defensive possessions. State capitalized by attacking in transition and at the foul line, converting 17 free throws in the final period while generating points off turnovers to close out the 77–74 road victory.

Ahjanae Young led all scorers with 22 points, adding seven rebounds and converting 7-of-11 from the stripe. Imani Hickman posted a dominant all-around night with 20 points, 16 rebounds, four steals and three blocks, while Latisha Parris chipped in 17 points, eight boards and several key defensive plays late. WVSU finished with 12 steals and turned those takeaways into 19 points off turnovers.

West Liberty was paced by Anna Lucarelli and Reagan Vinskovich, who scored 15 points apiece, while Olivia Baker knocked down five three-pointers as part of her 15-point effort. The Hilltoppers shot efficiently inside, scoring 42 points in the paint, but were limited to just one three-pointer in the fourth quarter as State tightened defensively.

State will return home to the Walker Convocation Center for the second leg of their home-and-home against Glenville State on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m.