SALEM, West Virginia - With an already jam packed schedule for the Salem Athletics Department, the nightcap of the day was a big rivalry game home matchup for Salem Men's Basketball against the Fairmont State Fighting Falcons. The Tigers and Falcons battled hard from the opening tip. Even after leading at halftime, Salem was unable to stop a second half swing from the Falcons to fall by a final score of 79-55. 

From the opening jump, Salem had a dogfight on their hands. Salem opened up with hot outside shooting from Khemanni Davis and Ian Hardy to take an early lead. The Falcons battled right back to take back a slim lead, and the fans in a raucous T. Edward Davis Gymnasium had an exciting back and forth contest on their hands. Fairmont State grew their lead up to 8, but Salem pushed right back to tie the game with a Jack Garrison IV three pointer with under 2 minutes to go. Salem then took a 32-30 halftime lead with two Ian Hardy free throws in the waning seconds of the period. 

With a halftime advantage, Salem had the tough task of holding off a comeback rally by the Falcons. Salem did just that early on with Nils Baumiesters nailing a three to protect the slim lead early on. However, Fairmont State found their shooting touch down the stretch, and Salem simply could not keep pace. Ultimately, the Falcons took a stranglehold on the contest and came away with the 79-55 victory. 

Despite the loss, Salem had some decent individual performances. They were led offensively by both Kapone Barley and Khemanni Davis with 12 points a piece. Ashraf Tchadouwa and Jack Garrison IV each finished just short of a double double with 9 points and 8 rebounds each. 

Salem will need to make some adjustments ahead of their next contest this weekend. Salem heads up to Maryland on February 24th at 4 PM to take on the Frostburg State Bobcats. Salem defeated Frostburg State at home back on January 20th with a final score of 85-70