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Late free throws help No. 4 West Liberty win at Fairmont State By Story by Taylor Kennedy
FAIRMONT, W.Va. The No. 4 West Liberty Hilltoppers sank nine of their last 12 free throws to help escape No. 21 Fairmont State with a 96-84 victory.
West Liberty and Fairmont State came into the game as two of the highest-scoring teams in the Mountain East Conference (MEC). The Hilltoppers averaged 111 points per contest, and the Fighting Falcons scored 99 points per game.
The first half started slow for both squads. At the first media timeout, both teams combined for 14 points and eight turnovers. Both squads shot 5-of-18 in the first five minutes of the game. West Liberty head basketball coach Ben Howlett says the excitement of the game caused the uncharismatic play.