FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Sierra Kotchman scored a team-high 23 points to lead Fairmont State to a 74-66 victory over UVa-Wise on Thursday evening at Joe Retton Arena. The Falcons held UVa-Wise to less than 40 percent from the field and used a 19-of-21 performance from the free throw line to down the Cavs.
 
Fairmont State (6-6, 2-5 MEC) also got 12 points and seven rebounds from Kelli Jo Harrison and 10 points and six rebounds from Rachel Laskody. Brooke Kurucz just missed double-figures with nine and Ozge Yarga and Presley Tuttle both chipped in seven to help Fairmont State get back to .500 on the season.
 
The Falcons shot 43.6 percent from the field (24-of-55), including nearly 50 percent from the field in the second half (13-of-28). However, most of Fairmont's damage came from the free throw line during the second half of the game, as the Falcons knocked down 17-of-18 free throw attempts in the third and fourth quarters of play.
 
UVa-Wise (2-10, 1-6 MEC) used a balanced offensive attack with five players reaching double figures in the loss. Ada Stanley led the way for the Cavs with 12 points, six rebounds and three assists. Cynita Webb recorded a double-double for the Cavs with 10 points and 12 boards.
 
The Cavaliers put on a strong performance in the paint this evening, holding a 38-33 rebounding advantage and a 32-22 scoring advantage in the post. UVa-Wise struggled from the free throw line, knocking down just 13-of-20 attempts (65%).
 
FSU will now host Concord on Saturday afternoon in MEC action at Joe Retton Arena. Tip is set for 2 p.m.