WHEELING, W.Va. -- Sixth-seeded Virginia State held Fairmont State under 40 percent from the field and shot 55.6 percent in the second half to eliminate third-seeded and eight-ranked Fairmont State, 76-66, in the opening round of the 2016 Atlantic Regional Tournament at the McDonough Center in Wheeling.
With the loss, Fairmont State's season comes to an end with a 25-5 overall record. Virginia State improves to 24-5 and will await the winner of Saturday's second quarterfinal game between West Liberty and Concord.
Fairmont State strugged from the field all afternoon, shooting just 37.1 percent (23-of-62) for the game. In the first half, the Falcons were limited to a season-low 27 points and just nine field goals, shooting a dismal 9-of-27 from the field (33.3%) in the first 20 minutes of the game.
The Falcons also made just 8-of-28 attempts from behind the arc (28.6%) and 12-of-20 free throw attempts (60.0%) in the loss.
Matt Bingaya led Fairmont State with a team-high 16 points and six rebounds, but stuggled from the field making 5-of-19 field goal attempts.
Jamel Morris also chipped in 12 points and
Jason Jolly added nine for the Falcons offensively.
Virginia State also struggled from the field in the opening half, making 13-of-32 shot attempts (40.6%). However, VSU was much more efficient in the second half, shooting 15-of-27 field the field (55.6%). Virginia State also held a 38-36 rebounding margin and limited their turnovers to just 15 in the win.
The Trojans had four players reach double-figures, led by Kevin Williams with 16 points and six rebounds. Javon Moore just missed a double-double with 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Elijah Moore and Cyonte Melvin each scored 12 points apiece.
After Virginia State jumped out to its largest lead of the day (65-52) with just 3:03 remaining in the game, the Falcons scored five-straight points and 12 of the next 15 to trim the VSU margin to just four, 68-64. On the next two possessions, the teams traded baskets and then VSU closed out the win with two free throws and a field goal late to pick up the 76-66 victory.
Virginia State's first-round victory over Fairmont State is the first NCAA Tournament victory for the CIAA since 2012 when Shaw advanced to the regional finals.
