FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- The 12th-ranked Fairmont State University men's basketball team hosted West Virginia State University in an MEC shootout.  The Falcons were able to pull off a late second half comeback and edge out the Yellow Jackets, 92-88.

Three different Falcons scored 17 points in Andre Harris, David Jolinder and Taj Thweatt. Harris also finished the afternoon with eight rebounds and five assists. Off the bench, Sam Emich added 16 points including the game winner.

Picking up the action in the second half, Fairmont State (19-3, 13-2) led 42-37 as David Jolinder completed a three-point play to extend the margin to eight. The Falcons were able to hold advantage until West Virginia State (10-11, 7-8) managed to take a 50-49 lead with 16:46 left in regulation.

Tommy Williams hit a three from the top of the key to give the edge back to FSU. The two sides went back-and-forth as the game was either tied or the hosts led by a field goal or two. As the teams continued to trade blows, the Yellow Jackets scored six-straight points to lead 81-76 with just over five minutes remaining.

Just like earlier in the half, Williams hit another big three followed by a Tyheil Peterson free throw to make it a single point game. WVSU was able to garner an 84-80 lead but the Falcons battled back and tied the game up. As the seesaw affair continued, the contest was eventually tied at 88 with just over a minute to go.

In the closing seconds, FSU had the ball but Andre Harris' jumper just missed off the iron. As the ball was in the air, David Jolinder tipped it near the sideline where Rudy Fitzgibbons made a diving save to keep the ball in play. The loose ball found its way to Sam Emich who stepped into the paint and hit a 12-foot floater to take a 90-88 lead with four seconds on the clock.

Fitzgibbons continued to hustle plays as he stole the Yellow Jackets inbound pass as he drew a foul to go to the line. At the free throw line, Fitzgibbons made both of his attempts to lock up the 92-88 victory.

The Falcons had a strong day in the paint with 48 points and scored 19 second chance points as well. The team also won the rebounding battle with 33 to the visitors 28.

Fairmont State hits the road for its next game on Wednesday, February 12 against Wheeling University. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.