FAIRMONT, W.Va. - The Fairmont State University men's basketball team welcomed the 21st-ranked University of Charleston. A late charge by the Falcons fell short as the Golden Eagles were victorious, 80-72.

Fairmont State (15-6, 8-6) opened the game with four-straight points. However, Charleston (17-3, 12-2) quickly answered with a 12-0 stretch to lead by eight (12-4) with 16:16 on the clock.

The Falcons slowly chipped at the deficit before Zyon Dobbs nailed a three in transition to square the game at 16. Unfortunately, the Golden Eagles recaptured the lead and held it over the next five minutes as Tommy Williams hit a three to make it 27 all. 

Charleston wasted little time and went back in front, 37-32. With 38 seconds on the clock, Dobbs hit another three to close out the half as Fairmont State trailed 37-35.

The home side once again score the first four points of the half and led 39-37. Charleston followed suit and battled back to take the lead. From there, the Golden Eagles started to pull away and expanded its lead to 17 (62-45) with 9:00 left in regulation. 

The Falcons began to chip away at the difference as Dobbs, Cameron Whiteside and Jaidyn West each made a three to make it a 73-69 game with 1:34 left. 

As momentum seemed to be on the home team's side, the squad went cold from the field as the visitors outscored them 5-1 en route to the road win.

Dobbs led the Falcons with 24 points while David Jolinder added 19 points. 

Fairmont State ventures to West Virginia State on Saturday, February 10. Start time is set for 4:00 p.m.