FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Wheeling Jesuit edged Fairmont State, 68-64, in a close Mountin East Conference matchup that featured 10 lead chances and five ties on Thursday evening at Joe Retton Arena.

With the loss, the Falcons slip to 19-5 overall and 13-5 in the MEC. Wheeling Jesuit improves to 14-7 overall and 11-6 in the league.

FSU struggled from the field on Thursday evening, shooting just 34 percent from the field and 17 percent from three (4-of-23). Wheeling Jesuit shot 42 percent from the field but also struggled from behind the arc, making just 3-of-11 attempts. The teams were even scoring in the paint (32-32) and Wheeling edged FSU on the glass, 43-41.

Hailey Garrett led the Falcons with 18 points in the loss. Emily Puskarich also reached double figures with 10 for the Falcons while Emily Lohr chipped in nine points and 11 rebounds.

Jaila Bryant scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Cardinals in the victory. Jaana Motton recorded a double-double for WJU with 14 points and 10 rebounds and Breanna Butler chipped in 11 to round out the Cardinals in double figures.

After trailing for a majority of the evening, FSU held a 61-60 advantage with 1:36 remaining in the game. However, Wheeling Jesuit outscored the Falcons, 8-3, in the closing minute and a half and held the Falcons without a field goal to wrap up the 68-64 victory.

FSU will now travel to West Liberty on Saturday afternoon for a 2 p.m. tip against the Hilltoppers at the ASRC.