WHEELING, W.Va. -- Fairmont State's Isaiah Sanders knocked down a three with 19 seconds remaining in the game to lift the Falcons to a 79-78 victory over Wheeling University on Wednesday evening at the McDonough Center. 

Fairmont State, who was ranked No. 4 in the Atlantic Region when the NCAA announced its initial rankings this afternoon, improved to 20-5 overall and 14-5 Mountain East Conference play. Wheeling falls to 13-10 overall and 10-9 in league play.

With 34 seconds remaining in the game, Wheeling's Jarett Haines drained a three-pointer to give Wheeling a 76-74 lead over Fairmont. On the next possession, Sanders hit his three from the top of the key to give the Falcons the 77-76 lead with 19 seconds remaining.
 
On the ensuing Wheeling possession, Fairmont State's Przemyslaw Golek forced a steal on the defensive end and drew a foul with just five seconds remaining. Golek connected on a pair of free throws to extend the Fairmont State lead to 79-76.

Wheeling's Jay Gentry tipped in a layup as time expired to make the final score 79-78 in favor of Fairmont State.
 
Fairmont State and Wheeling battled through six lead changes and three ties, and both teams led for over 17 minutes in Wednesday's game.
 
Fairmont State shot 48 percent from the floor, including 44 percent from behind the arc in the victory. Wheeling shot 46 percent from the field and held a 41-34 rebounding edge.
 
Cole VonHandorf led the way for the Falcons with 18 points and six assists, while Dale Bonner also added 18 points and three assists. Golek and Kenzie Melko-Marshall each tallied 12 points apiece, while Sanders finished with 11 points and five rebounds.

Wheeling was led by Jay Gentry with 18 points and four rebounds. Emmanuel Ansong and John Korte each chipped in 15 points apiece for the Cardinals.
 
Fairmont State will return to action on Sunday evening against No. 16-ranked West Liberty. Tip is set for 6 p.m. at Dan Cava Court inside Joe Retton Arena. The game will be televised regionally on AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh.