Fairmont State University Athletics

FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Fairmont State completely dominated Clarion on the defensive end of the floor on Saturday afternoon, earning an 80-46 victory over the Golden Eagles on day two of the MEC/PSAC Challenge inside Joe Retton Arena.
 
Fairmont State (2-0) limited Clarion to just five points in the opening quarter and just 13 in the first half – breaking out to a commanding 35-13 halftime lead.
 
For the game, Clarion managed just 26.4 percent from the field, including a dismal 4-of-23 performance in the opening 20 minutes of play (17.4) against Fairmont's stingy defensive pressure.
 
Offensively, the Falcons shot 48 percent from the field, once again getting a game-high 19 points from Brooke Kurucz. Sierra Kotchman (12), Ozge Yarga (11) and Presley Tuttle (10) also reached double-figures for the Falcons. Kelli Jo Harrison just missed a double-double performance with nine points and nine rebounds in the victory.
 
Despite turning the ball over 19 times, after committing just eight in Friday's season opener, FSU won the turnover battle in the game by forcing 22 Golden Eagle turnovers and turning them in to 16 points on the opposite end.
 
Clarion (1-1), who made just 14 field goals on the afternoon, went 16-of-25 from the free throw line – including 11-of-17 in the second half. Amesha Harden-Pullium led Clarion with 19 points in the loss, and Tynita White chipped in 10 off the bench.
 
FSU will now travel to North Canton (OH) on Wednesday evening for a critical non-conference matchup against Walsh. Tip is set for 6 p.m. against the Cavaliers. The Falcons will attempt to avenge last season's 88-77 home loss to Walsh on Wednesday evening.