FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State broke open a close game in the second half to run away with a 78-64 non-conference victory over Salem University on Thursday evening at Joe Retton Arena.
 
With the win, Fairmont State improves to 4-6 overall on the season. Salem falls to 2-9 on the year.
 
Fairmont State, who led by five points at half, stretched its second half lead to as many as 19 with 3:05 remaining in the fourth quarter, thanks in large part to seven second half 3-pointers and a 10-of-11 performance from the free throw line in the final 20 minutes.
 
The opening half featured four ties and nine lead changes before the Falcons settled for the five-point advantage (37-32).
 
Kamrin Weimer tied her collegiate career-high with 18 points to go with six rebounds and five steals in the victory. Sierra Kotchman (17), Rachel Laskody (16) and Brooke Kurucz (10) also added to Fairmont State's balanced offensive attack.
 
Laskody recorded her second-consecutive double-double by adding 12 rebounds to her 16 points on the evening. Seven of Laskody's rebounds came on the offensive end.
 
The Falcons held an 11-4 advantage in 3-point field goals, and also scored 25 points off 21 Salem turnovers in the victory. The Falcons also passed out 16 assists on 24 made baskets, including four from Kurucz and three from Ozge Yarga.
 
Daniela Quesada led Salem on offense with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Precious Price also reached double-figures for Salem with 11 points.
 
Salem held a 38-16 scoring advantage in the paint and also held a 51-43 rebounding edge. The Tigers pulled down 23 offensive rebounds and scored 23 second-chance points in the setback.
 
The Falcons will wrap up the 2018 portion of their schedule on Monday evening when Davis & Elkins visits Joe Retton Arena for a 6 p.m. tip.