WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - -  West Liberty outscored visiting UVa-Wise 48-34 in the second half of Saturday's Mountain East Conference contest to score an 81-79 win at the ASRC.    The Hilltoppers Kailee Howe scored 23 of her game-high 29 points in the final 20 minutes, including 12 in the final six minutes of play to complete the comeback. 

The two schools traded the lead six times in the final 3:45 and UVa-Wise missed a half court try at the buzzer that would have won the contest. 

UVa-Wise (8-15, 7-10) built a 45-33 halftime lead as Blair Harding scored 16 of her team-high 25 points in the half.  The Cavaliers also took advantage of 14 Hilltoppers fouls by making 19 of 22 free throws.   Coach Kristin Kunzman's team also forced nine turnovers in the half and collected seven offensive rebounds. 

West Liberty (16-7, 13-4) opened the second half on a 13-4 run and the game would be close for the remainder.  The Hilltoppers would shoot 60.6 percent from the field in the second half and hold the Cavaliers scoreless from beyond the 3-point line after the guests made four triples in the opening half.

Taylor Sandidge added 18 points and Kayla Carey chipped in 12 in the loss. 

Howe added 10 assists while Liz Flowers 17, Simpson 15, and Southworth 12 also scored in double figures for West Liberty. 

The win keeps West Liberty in a tie for the MEC league lead. 

UVa-Wise will return to action on Thursday when the team plays host to West Virginia State.  Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.