FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State (8-2, 3-1 MEC) emerged victorious over Concord University (7-5, 4-1 MEC), 76-70, at Joe Retton Arena, capitalizing on 22 steals to secure the win.

Fairmont State opened play with a defensive focus, forcing turnovers early, including a steal by Zaniya Murray just 15 seconds into the game. Despite creating opportunities, the Falcons struggled with shooting, converting only 3-of-17 field goal attempts in the quarter. Leila Jones provided a highlight with a 3-pointer off an assist from Murray at 8:40, briefly narrowing the gap. However, the Mountain Lions' efficient offense, led by Abbie Smith's 8 points in the paint, established a 16–9 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Fairmont State gained momentum early in the second quarter with a 3-pointer from Jones at 9:22, narrowing the deficit to four points. Gabby Reep's defensive rebound led to a fast-break layup, and Haylen Cook's layup at 8:07 tied the game at 16, prompting Concord to call a timeout. Despite Concord briefly pulling ahead, the Falcons responded with Alanna Tate's layup at 5:19, assisted by Reep, to close the gap to one. In the closing seconds, Jones hit another 3-pointer, assisted by Reep, cutting Concord's lead to three. The quarter ended with Fairmont State trailing 34–31.

Fairmont State gained momentum early in the third quarter with Murray converting a layup off a fast break at 9:15 to briefly edge ahead. The home team capitalized on turnovers, resulting in a significant scoring stretch, including Cook's 3-pointer at 7:07 that extended their lead to 38–36. Despite the Mountain Lions' efforts to keep pace, the Falcons maintained control with Ryan Davis contributing crucial points in the paint, pushing the lead to 43–36 midway through the quarter. In a tense closing sequence, Fairmont State found themselves trailing after a Concord 3-pointer by Alexis Frazee at 1:02, which put the visitors up 53–52. However, Reep responded with a jumper at 0:35 to reclaim the lead for Fairmont State at 54–53. The quarter ended with Fairmont State leading 54–53, ensuring a narrow advantage heading into the final stretch.

Fairmont State extended their lead early in the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer from Reep at 9:49, assisted by Cook, setting the tone for a strong quarter. Concord briefly narrowed the gap with a layup by Smith, but Fairmont State responded with a layup by Davis at 8:58, maintaining their advantage. The home team capitalized on Concord's turnovers, with Mackenzie Swayne's steal and layup at 4:07 widening the lead. Cook then sank a crucial 3-pointer at 5:46, and Reep's free throws at 1:25 helped sustain the cushion. Fairmont State closed out the quarter by converting key free throws, securing a 76-70 victory.

Reep scored 17 points, recorded six steals, and added five assists. Davis contributed with 16 points and two blocks while collecting seven rebounds. Cook added 14 points and tallied three steals, further boosting the team's defensive efforts. Jones finished with 12 points, converting three of eight attempts from beyond the arc and recording four steals.

Fairmont State has the holiday break to reset before returning to the court on Saturday, January 3 at the University of Charleston. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.