CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The 12th-ranked Fairmont State University men's basketball squad made the journey south to battle the University of Charleston Golden Eagles. After holding a sizeable lead at the half, the Falcons were able to fend off a strong second half by the Golden Eagles for a 76-72 win.

Andre Harris led the Falcons with 17 points as he went 8-10 from the free throw line. Taj Thweatt added 14 points while David Jolinder contributed another 11 to the total. The team also scored 17 points off turnovers compared to eight for the hosts.

In the opening moments of the contest, Charleston (11-9, 8-6) quickly jumped out a 5-2 lead. However, Fairmont State (18-3, 12-2) had an answer as Rudy Fitzgibbons and Andre Harris nailed back-to-back threes to take an 8-5 edge. The Golden Eagles notched the next six points before CJ Little and Sam Emich nailed a couple of threes to give the Falcons a slight lead (16-14) with 11:35 on the clock.

After the hosts reclaimed the lead, FSU began to regain control and found itself ahead by four (25-21) with just over seven minutes left in the half. At this juncture of the game, the Falcons took total control of the half as they outscored UC, 19-4. During the run, the team went 6-8 from the field as Taj Thweatt accounted for nine of the points. At the half, Fairmont State was in front of Charleston, 44-25.

Just like the first half, the Golden Eagles came out with two quick layups. Andre Harris halted the fast start with a lay-in before Tommy Williams hit a three to expand the advantage to 20 (49-29). Unfortunately, the small pause in the hosts' offensive output did not last long as they went on a 12-3 run that forced an FSU timeout. With 12:24 left in regulation, the Falcons were still in front, 52-41.

Both teams started to trade blows and after a three-point make by UC, the difference was cut to six (60-54). Fairmont State responded though as Tommy Williams cut through the paint for a basket before David Jolinder made two free throws. The Golden Eagles went right down the floor and with two midrange shots had made it a six-point game (64-58) just over four minutes to go.

A defensive battle began as neither team was able to get anything going but Charleston scored the next five points including three free throws. Under a minute to go, the Falcons brought the ball up the floor and kept the ball moving as CJ Little found Tyheil Peterson in the corner for a three to make it a 70-63 game. The Golden Eagles swiftly moved the ball down the floor and answered with a three of their own to make it a four-point game with just 39 seconds remaining.

On the ensuing inbounds play, Andre Harris was fouled and was sent to the line. Harris made both of his free throw attempts. After a Charleston field goal, Tyheil Peterson drew a foul and nailed both of his free throws. However, it got interesting when the hosts hit a three as a foul was called to complete a four-point play. The very next play, Tommy Williams was fouled and ventured towards the charity stripe. Williams hit both of his attempts to secure the road win for the Falcons.

On the glass, the Falcons won the battle with 40 rebounds as Charleston corralled 36. At the line, FSU went 22-29 (.759) and over the final four minutes of the team was 8-10.

Fairmont State welcomes West Virginia State to campus on Saturday, February 8. Start time is set for 4:00 p.m.