FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Wheeling Jesuit edged Fairmont State in a defensive struggle, 53-49, on Thursday evening at Joe Retton Arena.

The Falcons were limited to just 26 percent from the floor (17-of-65) in the game and made just 5-of-19 three-point attempts in the narrow loss. Wheeling Jesuit shot 37.5 percent from the field (21-of-56) but also struggled from behind the arc, making just 3-of-13 attempts. In addition, only two players reached double-figure scoring and only 28 combined fouls were called in the game. Wheeling did hold a 32-20 advantage in the paint.

The game had 10 total lead changes and a pair of ties, including nine lead changes in the third and four quarters of the game.

Makenzie White led Fairmont State (5-2, 1-2 MEC) with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Emily Puskarich added eight points and Katie Nunan and Kelli Jo Harrison each scored seven for the Falcons. Harrison also pulled-down a game-high 10 rebounds. Nunan left the game after 15 minutes of action with an injury and did not return. FSU did limit its turnovers to 13 while forcing 18 Wheeling turnovers.

Wheeling Jesuit (5-1, 3-0 MEC) got a team-high 16 points and nine rebounds from Jaila Bryant in the victory. Mariah Callen nearly reached double-figures with nine points and seven rebounds.

FSU will travel to No. 19 West Liberty on Saturday afternoon for a 2 p.m. tip at the ASRC.