Fairmont – Despite another strong effort by senior Tanner McGrew, West Virginia Wesleyan fell on the road in overtime against fellow Mountain East Conference foe Fairmont State by a score of 86-76 here Saturday afternoon.

Austin Shell tied the game for the Bobcats with a dunk with 3:19 remaining in the first half to make the score 23-23. The  Falcons however would go on a 12-0 run to end the half and increase their lead to 35-23 at halftime.

The Bobcats would then fall behind by 15 points less than a minute into the second half. The will of the Bobcats however would not be denied.

The 'Cats would claw back to come within five points after a three pointer by Anthony Richards with 12:34 remaining made the score 45-40.

Wesleyan finally took the lead with 1:28 left in the game after a dunk by Tanner McGrew that made it a 64-63 game.

A made free throw by Garrett Grantham gave the 'Cats a lead with 20 seconds remaining until the Falcons made a lay-up with seven seconds remaining which tied the game at 71-71.

A turnover with four seconds left prevented Wesleyan from getting a chance to attempt a game winning shot.

The Bobcats scored first in overtime after a jumper by Ja'Sahn Johnson gave Wesleyan the lead at 73-71.

Fairmont State would then go on a 15-3 run to end the game and defeat the Bobcats in overtime by a score of 86-76.

McGrew had another monstrous game and continues to be in the conversation of player of the year in the MEC.

He finished the game with 26 points on 10-15 shooting night and grabbed 15 rebounds.

Grantham also a had solid game, contributing to the Bobcats with 19 points, seven assists and three steals.

The loss drops Wesleyan to 8-12 overall on the season and 6-8 in the MEC.

The Bobcats take the court again on February 2 at 7:30 p.m. when they host the Rams of Shepherd University.

Shepherd is currently 11-9 overall and 6-8 in the MEC. 

(File photo courtesy of Pete Galarneau Jr.)