CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Fairmont State outlasted the University of Charleston with a 13-6 scoring run over the final 2:51 of the second half to pick up an 85-77 road win on Thursday evening at the Innovation Center.
 
The Falcons withstood 11 ties and 12 lead changes in the win to improve to 18-7 overall and 15-4 in Mountain East Conference play. Charleston falls to 17-8 overall and 12-7 in the league.
 
The Golden Eagles led 43-40 at the end of the first half and both teams fought to maintain control in the second with neither team managing a lead of more than five points until the Falcons' late run. Charleston shot nearly 52 percent in the opening half, compared to 36 percent in the final 20 minutes of play.
 
Fairmont State shot 48 percent from the field and held an eight to five advantage in 3-point field goals.
 
Vonte Montgomery scored a game-high 28 points to go with eight rebounds to lead Fairmont State.  Jason Jolly also chipped in 19 points and three assists, and Cole VonHandorf added 12, eight of which came in the second half. Andrew Emrick also added nine points off the bench.
 
Fairmont State held a 39-32 rebounding advantage in the win.
 
Josh Floyd recorded 22 points for Charleston in the setback. Adam Traore also chipped in 14 to go with eight rebounds, and Drew Rackley notched 11 points and seven boards.  Lamont McManus and Devon Robinson added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
 
Fairmont State will now prepare for a 5 p.m. matchup against West Virginia State on Sunday evening in Institute. The game will be televised live on AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh.