ELKINS, W.Va. -- The Fairmont State University women's basketball returned to conference play as it faced the Senators of Davis & Elkins. The Falcons jumped out to an 18-point half lead that grew to a 23-point victory, 70-47.

Jalen Gibbs had her strongest offensive performance of the season with 23 points, going 8-13 from the field and 7-10 from the line. Leila Jones dropped 11 points while Aaliyah Brunny and Leslie Huffman each finished with 10 points.

Fairmont State (14-3, 8-2) started the evening with two layups from Jalen Gibbs. After two Davis & Elkins (1-14, 1-9) free throws, the Falcons scored the next eight points to lead 12-2 with 5:11 left in the first. The Senators slowly trimmed the deficit to six before Leila Jones hit a late three to give FSU a 19-10 lead going to the second period.

In the second, Fairmont State began the period with a 10-2 run to hold a 17-point edge (29-12). D&E battled back with six of the next eight points but the Falcons quickly responded with the following seven points to lead 38-18. The Senators hit two free throws in the final seconds of the half as the visitors went into the locker room with an 18-point lead (38-20).

The two squads went back-and-forth for the majority of the third period as Fairmont State still maintained a sizable advantage. In the final 1:21 of play, FSU scored the closing eight points including five from Leslie Huffman. As the game headed toward the final 10 minutes of regulation, the Falcons led 62-34.

Neither team was able to get any rhythm on offense in the fourth until Davis & Elkins notched eight-straight points. However, that was the closest the hosts were able to get as Fairmont State was able to secure the 23-point road win.

The Falcons were able to convert 13 offensive rebounds into 16 second chance points. The team also forced 20 turnovers that resulted in 20 points on the other end of the floor.

Fairmont State is back at home on Saturday, January 25 as it will face Frostburg State University. Game time is slated for 2:00 p.m.