Box Score

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - James Griffin scored 17 points to lead six players in double figures as top-ranked West Liberty (18-0, 13-0 MEC) recorded a 115-78 win over Shepherd University (11-8, 7-6 MEC) in MEC men's basketball action at West Liberty on Wednesday night.

Sophomore guard Thomas Lang (New Market, Md./Linganore) and junior forward Winston Burgess (Stafford, Va./Colonial Forge) each had 17 points to lead the Rams. Burgess also grabbed 10 rebounds.

Senior forward AJ Carr (Fairfax, Va./St. James School) posted his ninth double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Junior guard Derek McKnight (Teaneck, NJ/Gaston (N.C.) Day School/Louisburg CC) added 14 points and four assists.

Dan Monteroso and Dalton Bolon each added 16 points for the Hilltoppers. Brandon Smith had 13, while Jordan Watson and Tyler Primmer each tossed in 11.

The Hilltoppers had a 56-28 lead at halftime.

Shepherd connected on 40.9 percent (27-66) from the floor with a 24.1 percent (7-29) performance from beyond the arc for the game. The Rams hit on 60.7 percent (17-28) of their free throws.

West Liberty shot 50.6 percent (39-77) from the floor with a 42.2 percent effort (19-45) from three-point range. The Hilltoppers shot 90 percent (18-20) from the charity stripe.

West Liberty had a 49-38 edge in rebounding. The Rams forced nine turnovers and committed 11.

The Rams return to action on Saturday when they host Wheeling Jesuit for a 4 p.m. contest.