The Fairmont State University women's basketball team returned to Joe Retton Arena looking for some home cooking following Wednesday night's loss. The Falcons got just that as it used a 34-point first quarter to top the West Liberty Hilltoppers, 89-72.

To open the first period, Fairmont State (12-2, 7-1) opened a 12-3 lead with five points from Alyssa DeAngelo. West Liberty (6-8, 4-3) struggled to get anything going in the period as the Falcons expanded the lead and led by 20 (34-14) at the end.

In the second, the two teams went back-and-forth until the Hilltoppers cut the difference to 13 (40-27) with 4:20 on the clock. FSU closed the period on a 7-2 run and led 50-31 going into the locker room.

Just like the second, the scoring was even between the two sides. Anytime it seemed that West Liberty started to get an offensive rhythm, Fairmont State had an answer and maintained a 21-point led (72-51) going into the final period of regulation.

The fourth period was the second one where the Hilltoppers outscored the Falcons but it was only by four (21-17). However, that early first period lead by FSU was all the difference in the 17-point victory.

Jalen Gibbs led the way for the Falcons with 26 points with seven rebounds. DeAngelo added 22 points while Madeline Huffman finished with 10 points and nine rebounds. FSU scored 62 points in the paint on 52.9-percent shooting (36-68) from the field.


Fairmont State remains at home on Wednesday, January 17 as Salem University comes to campus. Start time is set for 5:30 p.m.