Glenville State's upset bid of No. 11 West Liberty came up a few shots short Friday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the Mountain East Conference men's basketball tournament at the Civic Center. The Pioneers fell to the Hilltoppers, 75-71, but had their chances in the final seconds.
Down 72-71 with 13 seconds left, GSC (12-16) senior Brett Morris attempted a short jumper, but was blocked by West Liberty's Zac Grossenbacher. Grossenbacher grabbed the ball, was fouled, but hit only 1 of 2 free throws. Morris had a chance to tie the game with 3 seconds left, but was stripped of the ball in the lane by Dan Monteroso. David Dennis came up with the ball and was fouled, hitting both free throws for the final margin.
Glenville's Terry Davis Jr. led all scorers with 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 2 of 3 from 3-point range. Morris went 4 for 11 from the floor for 14 points. Monteroso led West Liberty with 22 points, while Grossenbacher added 12 points and 14 rebounds despite playing the last few minutes of the game with four fouls.
The Hilltoppers (26-3) will face the winner between Wheeling Jesuit and West Virginia Wesleyan at 8:15 p.m. Saturday for the right to play for the MEC title.