WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – Bryce Butler scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead #7/8 West Liberty (1-0) to a 91-68 win over Shepherd University (0-1) in men's basketball action at the Atlantic Region Crossover at West Liberty on Friday night.
Senior guard Jon Preston (Brandywine, Md./Rock Creek Christian) led the Rams with 23 points and eight rebounds. He connected on 8-of-10 field goals with a 3-of-3 effort from beyond the arc. Preston was 4-of-4 from the foul line.
Sophomore guard Carson Poffenberger (Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown) added 14 points and five boards.
Sophomore guard Aidan Hughley (York, Pa./York Suburban) added eight points and eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Jarod Robinson (Laurel, Md./Glenelg Country School) also tossed in eight points.
Steve Cannady added 16 points for the Hilltoppers. Alek West was also in double figures with 11 points.
West Liberty had a 52-38 lead at the half.
Shepherd connected on 44.1 percent (26-59) from the floor with a 37.5 percent (6-16) performance from beyond the arc for the game. The Rams hit 45.5 percent (10-22) of their free throws.
West Liberty shot 44.3 percent (35-79) from the floor with a 31 percent effort (13-42) from three-point range. The Hilltoppers shot 66.7 percent (8-12) from the foul line.
West Liberty had a 39-36 edge in rebounds. The Rams forced 11 turnovers and committed 22.
The Rams return to action on Saturday when they face Wheeling at 6 p.m. in final day action of the Atlantic Region Crossover.
