SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- The Fairmont State University men's basketball team ventured north to face Slippery Rock University. After trailing at halftime, the Falcons battled back as Rudy Fitzgibbons drained a three at the buzzer to win the game, 78-75.

Coming out of the halftime break, Slippery Rock led 40-35 over Fairmont State. The two teams traded baskets to get things going before the Falcons rattled off seven-straight points to go in front 47-45.

The Rock quickly reclaimed the lead but a layup by Tommy Williams sparked an 8-0 run to go back ahead by five (55-50) with 13:35 left in regulation. Slippery Rock was able to tie the game with the Falcons quickly taking the advantage right back. 

With just over six minutes left on the clock, the Rock made six-consecutive free throws to reclaim the edge, 69-66. Taj Thweatt made a free throw before slamming home a fastbreak dunk to even the score once again. 

Slippery Rock slowly crawled back in front and led by three (75-72) with just under a minute left in regulation. Andre Harris narrowed the margin to two points with a free throw before Tyheil Peterson stole the ball away from the hosts and went coast-to-coast to even the score at 75.

After advancing the ball across midcourt, the Rock called a timeout to try to capture the late lead. Out of the huddle, Slippery Rock attempted a three-point shot from the right wing but the shot ricocheted off the iron as CJ Little corralled the rebound and called a timeout with four seconds to go.

On the ensuing inbound play, Williams threw the pass into Fitzgibbons as the guard raced across the time line. Fitzgibbons got to the top of the key and was able to set his feet and buried the three-point shot at the horn to win the game for the Falcons.

David Jolinder and Andre Harris led the Falcons with 19 points each as Jolinder also grabbed 10 rebounds. Tommy Williams, Rudy Fitzgibbons and Taj Thweatt each added 11 points. The Falcons held the advantage in the paint with 36 points compared to 18 for Slippery Rock. The game also featured 12 times the score was tied with 11 lead changes.

Fairmont State (3-0) opens Mountain East Conference play on Saturday, November 23 at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.