FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- The seventh-ranked Fairmont State University men's basketball team battled Concord University in a Mountain East Conference matchup. The Falcons held a 12-game winning streak at Joe Retton Arena dating back to February 2024 but fell to the Mountain Lions, 89-84. 

Andre Harris paced the Falcons with 24 points as he was 8-15 from the field. Tommy Williams had a solid overall performance with 20 points, four rebounds and steals along with three assists. David Jolinder finished the night with 16 points with an additional 11 from Taj Thweatt.

Concord (9-7, 8-4) hit a three to open the contest as the see-saw affair began. With the game tied at five, the visitors scored the next six points but Fairmont State (16-3, 10-2) responded with a 10-3 run to lead 15-14 with 12:16 on the clock. The lead was exchanged several times of ther the next four minutes as the Falcons remained in front by one (24-23).

The Mountain Lions reclaimed the advantage with nine-consecutive points to go in front, 32-24, with just over five minutes remaining. The hosts attempted to cut into the difference but were unable to do so as Concord stayed ahead. As the halftime horn sounded, the visitors led 45-35 going to the break.

In the early minutes of the second half, Concord maintained the double-digit edge but Fairmont State bounced back on the offensive end. The team scored eight-straight with four from Andre Harris to make it a 51-47 game with 15:50 to go in regulation. The Mountain Lions slowly stretched their lead back to eight but another strong push by the Falcons made it just a one basket game (60-58). 

Clinging to a slim lead, Concord pushed the advantage to six (70-64) but Fairmont State did not shy away. The home squad scored 13 of the next 16 points with seven of them coming from Tommy Williams to go ahead, 77-73, with just over four minutes to go in the second half.

The visitors were able to even the score over the next minute but four-straight free throw makes by Harris kept the Falcons in front by two (81-79). Unfortunately, the Mountain Lions went on an 8-0 run to lead 87-81 with just 23 seconds left.

Down the floor on the next possession, Williams found Tyheil Peterson in the corner for a three to cut the difference in half. Fairmont State was able to force a turnover on the next Concord possession but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. The visitors made two final free throws for the 89-84 final score. 

Fairmont State hits the road on Saturday, February 1 for an afternoon game against Glenville State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.