The Fairmont State University men's basketball team hit the road to face the Wheeling University Cardinals. Despite leading by 20 late in the second half, the Falcons had to fight off a late charge by the Cardinals for the win, 84-82.

For a majority of the second half, Fairmont State (10-3, 4-3) seemed in control of the contest, matching every move the home squad made. At one point, FSU extended its lead to 20 (72-52) with 6:21 remaining in regulation.

Under five minutes on the clock, Wheeling (5-7, 2-4) was not going away as it mounted a comeback. The hosts scored 15 of the next 17 points and cut the deficit down to six (76-70) with 2:58 on the clock.

The Falcons and Zyon Dobbs pushed the advantage back to nine (80-71) as the graduate guard scored all four points. The Cardinals did not lay down as they used a 10-2 stretch to pull within one-point (82-81) with just five seconds remaining.

Williams made two free throws to strengthen the lead to three, 84-81. As Wheeling inbounded the ball and had to go the length of the court, Sean Ealy was fouled by Cameron Whiteside. Ealy made the first free throw and attempted to miss the second to get a shot off to tie the game.

As the second shot went up, it hit the rim, but no one was able to recover it as the final horn sounded. FSU held on for the 84-82 victory.

In the first half, Fairmont State quickly jumped out to a 5-0 lead with all the points coming from Tommy Williams. Wheeling came to life and after back-to-back three pointers, led 8-7.

The two squads exchanged baskets until the 14:03 mark of the first when the Falcons went on their 17-2 run. Over the stretch, the team went 7-10 from the field including three three-point shots. The run lasted 4:20 of game time and gave FSU a 29-14 lead.

Both sides were evenly matched for the remainder of the half as the Cardinals scored 16 points to the 15 by the Falcons. At intermission, Fairmont State led 44-30.

Williams led both teams with 22 points on the evening, including a 5-12 performance from behind the arc. David Jolinder added 19 points while Dobbs finished with 15 points and seven rebounds.

Fairmont State welcomes West Liberty University to the Joe Retton Arena on Saturday, January 13. Start time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.