ERIE, Pa. – The Fairmont State University men's basketball team faced Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in the first round of the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament. Despite an up and down game and numerous lead changes, the Falcons fell to the Crimson Hawks, 89-83.

Both teams started a little slow with each missing shots and turning the ball over. 50 seconds into the game, IUP broke the scoreless tie with a layup. Drey Carter answered with a layup of his own but the Crimson Hawks scored the next six points to lead 8-2 with 16:28 on the clock.

Carter continued the scoring efforts for Fairmont State with a three-point play followed by a mid-range jumper to make it a one-point game (8-7) with 15:07 to go in the first. The two squads trading baskets until David Jolinder and Tyheil Peterson hit back-to-back threes to tie the game at 16.

The seesaw affair continued as IUP jumped out to a 29-25 advantage. However, the Falcons responded with nine-straight points to lead 34-29 with 4:30 remaining in the half. During the run, Miguel Martinez scored five of the nine points.

Over the final four minutes, both teams committed turnovers and missed shots until the Crimson Hawks strung together a couple of baskets to lead 37-34 with just five seconds to go. Fairmont State got the ball into the hands of Peterson and just a few steps across the midcourt line, fired a three just before the buzzer. As the horn sounded, the ball found its way through the net to tie the game at 37.

Both teams were slow to start for the opening minute until Fairmont State went on a 6-0 run to lead 43-40. After an exchange of baskets, the Falcons scored six-straight again capped off by a CJ Meredith three to lead 52-46 with 13:42 left in regulation.

IUP tried to make a slight charge but Fairmont State was able to maintain a couple basket lead. Under eight minutes to go, the Crimson Hawks used a 6-0 run to take a slim lead (65-63). The two sides began to match each other over the next several minutes as the game was tied at 77 with 2:55 on the clock.

After each made a basket, IUP hit a three-point shot as the Falcons were unable to answer. The Crimson Hawks then completed a three-point play to lead 85-79 with 24 seconds remaining. After a couple of trips to the free throw line by both teams, David Jolinder put back a missed shot to make it a four-point game. IUP then made to free throws with nine seconds left to seal the game, 89-83.

Drey Carter led the team with 24 points, going 9-16 from the field with six rebounds. Miguel Martinez scored 16 points, making six of his seven free throw attempts. David Jolinder added 11 points while Rene Diop grabbed 12 rebounds.

Fairmont State finishes the season with an overall record of 26-6 while going 17-3.