The Rams go 1-1 in opening weekend tournament

West Liberty is too much for Shepherd to handle

(THE PICKET) — For most college basketball teams scoring 99 points would be enough for a victory, but Saturday afternoon West Liberty’s fast-paced offense couldn’t be stopped on their way to a 111-99 victory over Shepherd.

With the Rams and Hilltoppers being at opposite ends of the standings in the Mountain East Conference many expected Saturday’s game to be a blowout, but the heart and effort put forward by the Rams made this an exciting game from opening tip off to the last few minutes of the game.

Shepherd went into halftime with a spark after guard Skylar Howard made a shot from half court as the clock expired cutting the deficit to 46-40. The Rams twice in the second half drew the lead to within three points but could never draw any closer, and the Hilltoppers showed why they are one of the top teams in the country as they pulled away to a 111-99 victory.

Head football coach Monte Cater holds up the Division 2 runner up trophy in a ceremony at halftime
Head football coach Monte Cater holds up the Division 2 runner up trophy in a ceremony at halftime

The Rams shot an impressive 49 percent from the field and 44 percent from three point range, while West Liberty shot 56 percent from both the field and beyond the arch.

Ryan McTavish led all scorers with 29 points and added five rebounds.

#15 Ryan McTavish pulls up for a shot against West Liberty
#15 Ryan McTavish pulls up for a shot against West Liberty

Howard finished the day with 24 points and four assists and Naim Muhammad finished the day with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The Rams will have a five-day break and will take the court again Thursday, Feb. 11, away against Notre Dame College in South Euclid Ohio at 7 p.m.

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