INSTITUTE, W.Va. — Fairmont State (17-4, 11-3 MEC) defeated West Virginia State (8-13, 5-10 MEC), 69-55, at the Walker Convocation Center, capitalizing on 31 points off turnovers.

Fairmont State opened the quarter with assertive play, initially scoring on a layup by Gabby Reep at the 8:00 mark. Despite challenges in shooting efficiency, the Falcons capitalized on the Yellow Jackets' turnovers, converting 11 takeaways into points throughout the quarter. Haylen Cook contributed a crucial three-pointer at 7:24, maintaining the team's competitiveness in a back-and-forth first frame. The quarter concluded with the Falcons and Yellow Jackets tied at 11.

The Falcons took control in the second quarter, fueled by a strong defensive performance, forcing 12 turnovers from the Yellow Jackets. Zaniya Murray's early layup and free throw at 9:55 set the tone, while Reep and Leila Jones contributed with key 3-pointers at 8:25 and 7:00, respectively. The Falcons capitalized on fast breaks, scoring 9 points in transition, and extended their lead to 23–11 with Jones' second 3-pointer at 6:38. The Falcons concluded the quarter with a 24–13 edge, leading 35–24 at halftime.

The Falcons opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer from Jones at 9:51, pushing their lead to 38-24. This early momentum was bolstered by Murray's free throw and subsequent jumper, extending their control. Despite the Yellow Jackets' attempts to close the gap with a series of fast breaks and layups, the Falcons maintained their advantage with a defensive block by Alanna Tate and a crucial layup by Cook at 5:20. The quarter concluded with the Falcons leading 48-39.

The Falcons opened the fourth quarter with a strong sequence, including a layup by Mackenzie Swayne at 8:38, assisted by Tate, that extended their lead to 50–41. This momentum continued with Tate scoring a jumper and a layup on consecutive possessions, pushing the score to 54–41 and prompting a timeout by the Yellow Jackets at 7:16. 

The Yellow Jackets attempted to close the gap, but the Falcons maintained control throughout the quarter. Tate was pivotal, contributing several free throws, including two successful attempts at 1:21 to secure a 63–51 advantage. The Falcons closed out the game with a solid defensive effort, ending with a 69–55 victory.

Jones finished with 19 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded nine rebounds. Reep scored 12 points and added three assists while tallying two steals. Murray collected seven rebounds and posted five steals. Tate contributed 13 points and six rebounds, adding two steals to her performance.

Fairmont State remains on the road on Monday, February 9 to battle Concord University in a make-up game from January 28. Start time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.