FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Concord University women's basketball team was defeated by 12
th-ranked Fairmont State 70-63 despite a second half surge Friday afternoon in a Mountain East Conference matchup inside Joe Retton Arena.
After trailing by as much as 19 points in the opening three frames, CU (5-6, 2-3 MEC) started the fourth quarter on a 9-0 scoring run to cut the FSU (11-1, 6-0 MEC) lead to 56-50. Senior guard
Jaisah Smith connected on a three-point basket, while also adding a pair of free throws during the Concord spurt. Sophomore forward
Abbie Smith also knocked down a pair of free throws, as she was a perfect 6-for-6 from the line as part of her 16 points.
J. Smith scored nine of her team-leading 19 points in the final quarter of play. With just under four minutes remaining in the game, she headed her own 5-0 scoring run to bring the Mountain Lions within four points for the first time since the first quarter, 61-57.
A pair of transition layups by the Fighting Falcons in the final two minutes held off the late CU comeback attempt, as Fairmont State came away with the victory, 70-63.
After just shooting 31 percent in the first half, Concord outscored Fairmont State 42-33 in the second half on 41.9 percent from the floor.
The Mountain Lions jumped out to a quick lead, as they held a 9-6 edge over FSU at the first quarter media timeout. A. Smith made two quick layups and J. Smith hit a three pointer to begin the game for CU.
However, Fairmont State outscored Concord 15-4 over the final 5:08 of the first quarter to take a 21-13 edge. The lead was extended out to 37-21 at halftime.
A. Smith also pulled down 11 rebounds, clinching her sixth double-double on the season as the Smiths were the only two CU player in double figures. Junior guard
Skylar Davidson finished the game with six points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Junior guard/forward
Deja Atkinson added six points as she did not miss a shot (3-for-4). As a team, CU forced 20 Fighting Falcons turnovers, marking the fourth straight game the Mountain Lions' defense has forced at least 20 turnovers.
CU continues its road trip, traveling to the Rockefeller Center to clash with West Virginia Wesleyan Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
