Excitement at Hilltop before Elite Eight

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – March Madness has officially taken over The Hilltop!

Students on campus prepare to cheer them on from afar as the West Liberty Men’s Basketball team prepares for Tuesday’s Elite Eight matchup in Evansville, Indiana.

The excitement of last week’s win that brought the team to this point hasn’t waned one bit.

That’s all they talk about on campus.

Sydney BurkleStudent Council President, West Liberty University

I get chills just thinking about it!

Hayden DerouEvent Coordinator, Topper’s Den

It was a thrilling 70-53 victory over IUP that sent West Liberty into the Elite Eight.

Hilltoppers fans traveled for the team and brought the energy back to campus.

At last week’s IUP, we actually watched students and faculty on two buses, and it was really cool. Coach (Ben) Howlett even said that every time he turned around before the game, West Liberty just had more attendance.

Sydney BurkleStudent Council President, West Liberty University

They start “defending, defending” and the whole place goes completely wild. Just representing the student division, especially from Toppers Den, might have been the proudest thing I could have done.

Hayden DerrowEvent Coordinator, Topper’s Den

“Topper’s Den” is West Liberty’s student section.

Derrow said the group has grown in recent seasons, but rooting the basketball team to qualify for the Elite Eight really united them.

It was one of the best feelings ever. It’s just that the students’ creations entered the game and we all came together.

Hayden DerrowEvent Coordinator, Topper’s Den

West Liberty students will bring that same energy to the student union for a watch party on Tuesday at 3:30 pm.

Rumor has it that some professors are taking students out of class so their cheers can echo all the way to Evansville.

There are big screen meals, giveaways, and basketball games.

We want all of our students to come out and rally for our boys.

Sydney BurkleStudent Council President, West Liberty University

So can the Hilltoppers come out on top?

absolutely! I have every confidence in my guys.

Hayden DerrowEvent Coordinator, Topper’s Den

There will also be an alumni watching party at 3:30 PM on Tuesdays at The Alpha Tavern.