WISE, Va. – Fairmont State broke open a close game midway through the first half and never looked back in a 106-80 victory over the University of Virginia's College at Wise on Thursday night at the Prior Center.
With the victory, Fairmont State has now won 10 of its last 11 games and has a 10-3 overall record and an unbeaten 7-0 mark in Mountain East Conference play this season. UVa-Wise falls to 5-7 overall and 3-4 in league play.
In the victory, Fairmont State's
Vonte Montgomery recorded the fifth triple-double in Mountain East Conference history – including the third this season. Montgomery wrapped up the game with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. West Liberty's Eric Meininger and UVa-Wise's Michal Seals also have triple-doubles this season in the league.
Seven players reached double-figures for the Falcons, led by
Cole VonHandorf with 19 points to go with eight rebounds.
Andrew Emrick also chipped in 15 points and six rebounds,
Vince Franklin dropped in 14 points and Kenzie Melko added 13. Montgomery also added 12 points as a part of his triple-double, and
Jason Jolly and
Troy Cantrell rounded out the Falcons in double figures with 10 apiece.
The Falcons had a very efficient night on the offense end, shooting 52.7 percent from the field (39-74) and 41.7 percent from behind the arc (15-36). Fairmont State also scored 46 points in the paint and had a season-high 28 assists on 39 made baskets.
The Falcons also had a +17 margin on the glass (47-30).
On the defensive end, Fairmont State limited UVa-Wise to just 43 percent from the field, 33 percent from three and forced 16 turnovers. The Falcons scored 26 points off turnovers and 29 points in transition.
Fairmont State led by as many as 37 in the blowout win.
UVa-Wise got a team-high 18 points and seven assists from Seals in the loss. Seals turned the ball over 10 times. Eric Okenchi also chipped in 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field.
The Falcons will now prepare for a Saturday matchup at Concord. Tip is set for 4 p.m. at the Carter Center.