Institute, W.Va.- The Fairmont State University men's basketball team looked to avenge its early season loss to West Virginia State University. Although the Falcons trailed for a majority of the game, the team made timely free throws on the way to an 82-80 win.

In the opening half, it was Fairmont State (16-6, 9-6) to take an early lead with a three from Zyon Dobbs followed by a Cameron Whiteside layup. West Virginia State (15-6, 11-4) responded with seven-straight points to lead by four (9-5) with 16:49 left in the half.

The Falcons were able to narrow the margin and square the game at 16. Both squads seemed to have an answer as the difference never grew larger than six. The Yellow Jackets hit a three in the final seconds of the first to lead 33-27 going into the locker room.

Coming out of halftime, West Virginia State maintained its advantage. The home side expanded the difference to seven on multiple occasions. Inside of eight minutes left in regulation, Dobbs hit a three to even the game at 61. 

Both teams went back-and-forth with the lead as Tommy Williams made a mid-range shot to put Fairmont State ahead 69-67 with 4:01 to go. The Yellow Jackets tried to recapture the lead but the Falcons went 8-10 from the free throw line to close out the game for the two-point victory.

David Jolinder led all scorers with 23 points and six rebounds while Dobbs finished with 22. Whiteside and Williams each finished with double-digit points, 15 and 13, respectively. 

Fairmont State returns to campus to face Wheeling University on Wednesday, February 14. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.