Louisville, KY – After winning the opening tipoff and scoring the first basket of the game, West Liberty would go a little over 5 minutes before scoring again.
Metro State went on a 15 point run before the Hilltoppers were able to make their second basket, 5 minutes and 57 seconds into the first half.
The Toppers were able to get a scoring spark late in the 1st half from Cedric Harris and Segar Bonifant with a couple of 3 pointers to bring the game within reach. Metro State took a 41-28 advantage at halftime. Bonifant led the Hilltoppers in scoring with 9 points heading into the break.
WLU came out strong in the second half with a big effort from Alex Falk. After a pair of 3 pointers, and two layups, Falk scored 10 straight points for the Toppers, narrowing the Metro lead to 6 points with a 53-47 score.
With just under 4 minutes left in the game, Falk brought West Liberty within 1 point on a free throw after being fouled on a layup. The 69-68 score was the closest West Liberty had been since the first minute of the game, and it was the closest that they would be for the remainder of play.
After a series of back and forth fouls and free throws, West Liberty was unable to pull of the comeback in the final stretch. Metro State won 83-76 in the final.
Alex Falk finished the game with 34 points, leading West Liberty in the losing effort.
Photo Credit: Sam Santilli Photography
