FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- The 1th-ranked Fairmont State University men's basketball squared off in a ranked rematch against the West Liberty Hilltoppers. The Falcons were unable to overcome a strong second half by the Hilltoppers, dropping the game by the final score of 81-77.

Andre Harris led the Falcons with 21 points while also corralling nine rebounds. David Jolinder recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. 

Just as advertised, the two heavyweight teams traded blows for the opening seven minutes. Around the 12-minute mark, Fairmont State (20-4, 14-3) made back-to-back field goals to lead 18-13. West Liberty (21-3, 15-2) remained only a couple of baskets behind and managed a three-point deficit (25-22) with 6:49 left on the clock.

From that point, the Falcons went on a 12-0 run to go in front, 37-22, as David Jolinder scored six of the points. The Hilltoppers tried to cut into the difference but time ran out in the first half as FSU maintained the advantage, 41-29.

At the start of the second half, the two teams matched each other with threes but West Liberty was just finding its footing on the offensive end. The visitors exploded for 13-straight points to take the lead, 45-44, with 14:28 to go. 

The lead jockeyed between the two sides for the next five minutes until the Hilltoppers went on a 10-0 run to reclaim the advantage, 64-57. Over the next several minutes, Fairmont State tried to chip away at the differential but only got within a couple of points.

With just over 90 seconds remaining in the contest, Andre Harris scored on consecutive drives to the paint to make it a 74-73 game. Unfortunately, that was the closest the Falcons were able to get to tying the game as time ran out with the visitors coming out on top.

Fairmont State will host Point Park University on Wednesday, February 19. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.