FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- After falling behind 10-2 early in the opening half, Fairmont State recovered and pulled away from Shepherd on Thursday evening to pick up an 80-59 victory over the league-leading Rams.

With the victory, the Falcons improve to 14-3 overall and 8-3 in the Mountain East Conference. Shepherd slips to 12-5 overall and 9-2 in the league.

Hallie Gunnoe scored a career-high 28 points and pulled down seven rebounds in the victory. Gunnoe was 12-of-15 from the floor and 3-of-3 from behind the arc. Hailey Garrett also chipped in 22 points and nine rebounds for the Falcons while Emily Lohr scored 15 points and collected nine boards. Gabrielle Etter passed out a team-high six assists.

Cara Mason and Rachel Johnson each scored 14 points to lead the Rams. Johnson recorded a double-double by collected 10 rebounds to go with her 14 points and Liz Myers reached double figures with 10 points. Alex Weakland passed out a team-best five assists for the Rams. The Falcons held Shepherd's leading scorer, Briana Vaden, scoreless in the victory. Vaden is averaging 12.6 points per game this season.

After shooting just 42 percent in the opening half, FSU shot 53 percent in the second half to extend a four-point halftime advantage to as many as 23 late in the second half. FSU also knocked down 13-of-16 free throw attempts and held a 44-32 advantage scoring in the paint. In addition, FSU held a 22-14 advantage in points off turnovers.

Shepherd held a slim 46-43 advantage on the glass and an 18-8 advantage in bench scoring. The Rams struggled from the floor, shooting just 31 percent.

FSU will travel to the University of Charleston for a 3 p.m. tip-off against the Golden Eagles at the Eddie King Gym on Saturday afternoon. The Falcons are currently in a tie for third place in the MEC standing with UC.