SALEM, W.Va. - The Fairmont State University women's basketball team faced the Salem University Tigers in the final non-conference game of the regular season. A balanced offensive performance handed the Falcons the win, 72-63.

Fairmont State (20-5) opened the game in style with the first seven points. The two teams found their offensive rhythms early with Salem (4-21) tying the game at 15 with 3:42 on the clock. Threes by Madeline Huffman and eventually Aaliyah Brunny but the Falcons ahead by four (21-17). The Tigers scored the final five points and led by just one (22-21) going to the second.

In the second, the visiting team reclaimed the lead with free throws especially two from Jalen Gibbs. Each team had a response for the other, whether it was on the offensive or defensive end of the court. When the final horn sounded for the first half, Fairmont State led by the smallest of margins, 38-37.

Salem opened the third with a layup to go back in front but this was the last time of the evening. Over the next six-plus minutes of game time, the Falcons outscored the Tigers, 15-4, and held a 53-43 advantage. The home squad tried to cut into the difference but FSU led by nine (58-49) going to the final 10 minutes of regulation.

The fourth was an even battle as each team scored 14 minutes in the period. At one point, Salem narrowed the gap to three points (60-57) but Fairmont State expanded upon its lead to close out the nine-point win.

Alyssa DeAngelo led the Falcons with 21 points as Madeline Huffman was the only other FSU player with double-digit points (11). A total of seven different Falcons scored in the game; as a team, they only committed eight turnovers compared to 27 for the Tigers.

Fairmont State will host Notre Dame (OH) on Saturday, February 24 at the Joe Retton Arena. Start time is set for 2:00 p.m.