SALEM, W.Va. -- The 13th-ranked Fairmont State University men's basketball team battled Salem University in the final non-conference battle of the regular season. David Jolinder helped pave the way with a double-double as the Falcons came out victorious over the Tigers, 78-73.

David Jolinder finished the game with 17 points and 15 rebounds while Sam Emich also scored 17 points on the afternoon. Tyheil Peterson had a strong showing with 16 points as he went 4-7 from three-point range.

Early in the first half, it was Salem (5-21) who claimed the advantage including six-consecutive points to lead 8-3. Fairmont State (22-4) trailed for the next couple of minutes until it went on a 13-2 run go in front, 19-13. The Tigers were not phased and responded with nine of the next 10 points to recapture the lead, 22-20, with 8:54 left in the first half.

The seesaw affair continued as it was the Falcons who went on a run. They used a 12-3 stretch to hold a seven-point advantage (32-25) as Tyheil Peterson and Tommy Williams both hit threes to jump start the streak. Salem was able to cut the difference to one (32-31) after back-to-back three-point shots but a Sam Emich three expanded the lead. Williams made a layup in the final minute before the hosts made two free throws to close out the half. As the teams headed to their respective locker rooms, Fairmont State led 37-33.

For the first four minutes of the second half, the two squads kept trading field goals as the Falcons slightly increased their lead to seven (47-40). The Tigers then went on a stretch where they only missed two shots as they scored 13-consecutive points to lead 53-47 with 12:17 left in regulation.

After the hosts went on a run, Fairmont State dropped in nine of the next 11 points to reclaim the advantage as Emich hit two three-point shots. The lead jockeyed between the squads before FSU accounted for eight-straight points to go ahead 66-60 with just under seven minutes on the clock. 

Salem tried to cut into the deficit but the Falcons were able to expand the lead to nine (74-65) with 2:39 to go. The Tigers gave it one more shot at mounting the comeback but were unable as Fairmont State held on for the five-point road win.

The Falcons were able to force 12 Salem turnovers and converted them into 19 points. FSU was also able to win the battle on the boards with 47 rebounds compared to 40 for the hosts.

Fairmont State will host West Virginia Wesleyan College on Wednesday, February 26 as the team will honor its seniors. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.