Box Score
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – Cedric Harris had 26 points and CJ Hester added 20 points and nine rebounds to lead third-ranked West Liberty to a 106-97 win over Shepherd University in MEC men's basketball action at West Liberty on Thursday night.
Junior guard Austin Cunningham (Vincent, Ohio/Ohio Valley) led the Rams with 25 points. He was 7-of-15 from the floor with a 3-of-5 from three-point range. He added an 8-of-9 effort from the foul line. Cunningham also contributed seven rebounds and four assists.
Shawn Dyer had 17 points and Keene Cockburn added 10 points and 10 boards for the Hilltoppers.
West Liberty took a 53-52 lead into the break behind 14 first half points from Hester.
The Hilltoppers went on a 13-4 run midway through the second half to open up a 10-point lead at 72-62 after a jumper by Harris with 14:01 left to take control of the game. Hester had six points to fuel the run.
Shepherd shot 45.8 percent (330-72) from the floor with a 45 percent (9-20) effort from three-point range. The Rams connected on 22-of-30 free throws (73.3 percent).
West Liberty shot 52.7 percent (39-74) from the floor with a 11-of-30 effort (36.7 percent) from beyond the arc. The Hilltoppers hit on 17-of-22 free throws (77.3 percent).
West Liberty had a 43-38 edge on the boards. The Rams forced 12 turnovers and committed 10.
Shepherd falls to 16-7, 11-6 in conference action, while West Liberty improves to 21-1, 17-1. The Rams return to action on Saturday when they host Wheeling Jesuit at 4 p.m. for Senior Day/Fan and Family Appreciation Day.
