FAIRMONT, W.Va. – On Wednesday evening, Notre Dame College's Jaedon Willis scored over 20 points for the ninth time in the last ten games and DeAirius Barker stole the ball five times. On the other side, Fairmont State University shot the ball very well and grabbed the 88-69 victory.
 
Early in the game, NDC hit shots and the offense started to flow as the Notre Dame Falcons connected on five of its first eight shots taken. The second chance opportunities were a major factor as sophomore Obinna Ugwuakazi grabbed an offensive rebound and scored on a layup. On the next possession, graduate student Tyland Crawford hauled in an offensive board and sent it over to Willis, who knocked down a long two-pointer. With 15:11 remaining in the first half, Notre Dame led 10-6.
 
Fairmont State's offense went to work and strung together seven consecutive made baskets from the field and three free throws. With just under 11 minutes to go in the half, the FSU Falcons held a 15-point advantage, 27-12.
 
The Fairmont State lead would expand to 21 points, but Notre Dame grabbed some momentum before halftime. Sophomore Jamarr Talbert Jr. knocked down a three, with an assist by sophomore Gbolahan Adio, with 2:18 on the clock. Sophomore Jevontae Jones found senior Daylin Lee for a layup and then, with less than a minute to go, Barker stole the ball and took it to the hoop for two. Before the buzzer, Barker knocked down a three-pointer and NDC trailed 52-37 at halftime.
 
Barker had 10 points, on 4-of-5 shooting, along with three steals, in the first half.
 
Notre Dame exited the locker room on a mission and closed within single-digits. On Fairmont's opening possession, Crawford stole the ball and found Ugwuakazi on the fast-break for a slam dunk. On the next FSU possession, Barker collected another steal. Ugwuakazi cut to the basket and Talbert passed the ball over for an easy layup.
 
Beginning at the 16:50-mark in the second half, the FSU Falcons were called for two technical fouls over the span of one minute. Willis would knock down all four of the technical free throws and Notre Dame trailed by just nine points, 56-47. NDC would get a few looks, close to the rim, but were unable to continue the run.
 
Barker knocked down another shot, with 13:35 to go, which cut the Fairmont State lead to 11, 60-49. FSU then went on another run, quickly putting up 10 points by making four consecutive shots.

With under six minutes remaining, Notre Dame put together a 12-0 run. Crawford started it and scored four of the points during the run. Willis capped it by knocking down a three and getting fouled. He made the free throw and NDC trailed, 83-65.
 
Wills hit all seven of his free throws in the second half and scored 12 of his 21 points in the final 20 minutes of the game. Crawford finished the contest with 13 points, five rebounds and two steals.
 
Notre Dame did have 14 more points-off-turnovers (27-13) than Fairmont State and eight more second chance points (14-6). NDC stole the ball 11 times, which is tied for the third most by the team in a game this season.
 
The NDC Falcons come home to celebrate its seniors on Feb. 11, as they match up with Frostburg State University. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.