INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Liberty pulled away late to hand West Virginia State a 74–61 setback in Mountain East Conference play Wednesday evening inside the Walker Convocation Center.

The Yellow Jackets (7–11, 4–8 MEC) trailed by nine at the half and were unable to close the gap through a pivotal third quarter, during which Baylee Goins was limited by foul trouble. Goins picked up her fourth foul at the 7:51 mark of the period and was forced to the bench, not returning until 7:54 remaining in the fourth. West Liberty used that stretch to extend its advantage before answering every late State run down the stretch from the foul line and in transition.

Imani Hickman led West Virginia State with a double-double, finishing with 21 points and 14 rebounds while adding four assists and three steals. Goins finished with 16 points and seven assists despite the extended absence, knocking down three triples, while Latisha Parris chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds.

West Virginia State held a 43–37 edge on the glass and scored 36 points in the paint, but turnovers proved costly as the Hilltoppers (6–13, 3–9 MEC) converted 21 points off 20 miscues. The Yellow Jackets shot 35.8 percent from the field and went 3-of-13 from three-point range, while West Liberty hit 10 threes and converted 22-of-28 from the foul line.

Olivia Baker paced West Liberty with a game-high 26 points, while Anna Lucarelli added 21 points and five assists. Reagan Vinskovich posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

West Virginia State will return to action Saturday, Jan. 31, traveling to Wheeling for a 2 p.m. tip.