CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Fairmont State hit the road to face the University of Charleston to restart conference play. The Falcons (8-3, 3-2) fell to Charleston (6-6, 4-2), 69-61, despite capitalizing on 25 turnovers for 19 points.

The game began with Fairmont State taking an early lead, starting with a 3-pointer by Leila Jones at 9:16, assisted by Alanna Tate. The Falcons extended their lead to 8–0 with contributions from Haylen Cook, who drained a 3-pointer at 8:03 and followed with a layup at 7:33. The first quarter was marked by the Falcons' strong defensive efforts, including four steals, which allowed them to maintain momentum despite the Golden Eagles closing the gap. A late 3-pointer by Jones at 1:28, assisted by Cook, helped the Falcons regain the lead, ending the quarter ahead 18–17.

The Falcons took control early in the second quarter with a quick transition layup by Cook after a steal, pushing them ahead. Tate extended the lead with a 3-pointer at 8:27, assisted by Zaniya Murray, giving the Falcons a 23–17 advantage. Despite the Golden Eagles narrowing the gap, a timely 3-pointer by Gabby Reep and consistent defensive rebounds maintained their edge. Tate's layup at the 3-second mark before the half concluded ensured the Falcons held a narrow 33–31 lead at halftime.

The Falcons struggled to maintain momentum in the third quarter, which featured several lead changes. Cook's successive free throws at 7:01 gave the Falcons a brief 40–38 advantage. However, the Golden Eagles responded, regaining the lead and extending it to 48–42 with 2:57 remaining, aided by Paris Stokes' efforts at the free-throw line. Despite Mackenzie Swayne's late layup cutting the deficit to four, the Golden Eagles closed the quarter leading 49–45. The Falcons scored 12 points in the quarter, but the Golden Eagles outpaced them with 18, setting the stage for the final stretch.

The Falcons attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter with a strong defensive effort, forcing 10 turnovers and capitalizing on free throws by Cook to narrow the gap. Jones contributed a 3-pointer at 6:20 to keep the pressure on, but their shooting struggles persisted with just 4 of 21 field goals made. Despite a late push, the Falcons could not overcome the Golden Eagles' lead, as the game concluded with a final score of 69-61 in favor of the home team.

Cook led the Falcons with 17 points, converting 8 of 10 free throws and adding two steals. Tate contributed 13 points and collected two steals while recording two assists. Jones added 13 points, including three 3-pointers, while Reep tallied seven points and recorded three steals.

Fairmont State remains on the road to face Wheeling University on Wednesday, January 7. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.