RICHMOND, Va. – The Fairmont State University men's basketball team hit the road for a non-conference game against the Virginia Union University Panthers. The Falcons dropped their first game of the season, 76-60.

Rudy Fitzgibbons led the Falcons with 18 points. Tommy Williams added 16 points with an additional 12 from David Jolinder.

Viriginia Union (6-7) scored the game's opening basket but Fairmont State (9-1) responded with 14-1 run including seven from the hand of Tommy Williams. The Panthers answered with 14-straight points to take lead by three (17-14) with 9:02 left in the first half.

On the next possession for the Falcons, Rudy Fitzgibbons pulled up from the top of the arch as the shot clock was running out. Fitzgibbons' three found the bottom of the net as he was fouled to complete a four-point play.

The Panthers regained the lead with two free throws before Fitzgibbons hit another three to put FSU in front by two (21-19). Both teams traded baskets before the hosts made a three-point shot to hold a one-point advantage (24-23) with 6:04 left in the half.

Fairmont State struggled to get rhythm on offense while Virginia Union expanded upon its lead with the next eight points to lead 32-23 with 1:33 remaining. The Panthers added four more points to their total and led by 13 (36-23) going to halftime.

Coming out of the locker room, the Falcons quickly got things going on the offensive end with seven-consecutive points including back-to-back three-point shots by Tommy Williams and David Jolinder. VUU responded with a 12-0 run to lead 48-30 just over five minutes into the second half.

FSU slowed the run with another three by Williams before a mid-range jumper by Sam Emich. The Panthers scored the next six points before Taj Thweatt hit a three and followed with a slam dunk off an inbound play.

After a Virginia Union jumper, Fitzgibbons nailed consecutive threes to make it a 10-point game (56-46) with 6:55 to go in regulation. The Panthers expanded their lead with the next six points over the next three minutes.

The Falcons tried to cut into the deficit but time was not on their side as the final horn sounded. FSU fell by the final score of 76-60.

Fairmont State continues its stretch of road games on Sunday, December 22 against Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.