FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State used hot shooting to build an early lead and went on to cruise past Davis & Elkins, 85-64, in the season opener against the Senators on Tuesday night at Joe Retton Arena.

The Falcons hit 14 three-pointers on the night, led by Chris Talley connecting on 7-9 from behind the arc. Talley finished with a career-high 29 points. Isaac Thornton hit five three pointers on his way to 22 points, and also dished out five assists and had three steals. Steve Custis added 13 points and nine rebounds, Terrence Green had eight points and eight rebounds, and Rudy Roberts had six points and seven rebounds for the Falcons.

Davis & Elkins was led by 18 points from Reggie Cook. Malik Tinsley added a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Fairmont State raced out to a 21-5 lead in the first half behind a trio of threes from Chris Talley. The Senators would hang around going to the locker room trailing 43-29.

The Falcons scorched the nets in the first half shooting 50 percent (16-of-32) including 9-of-15 from three. Davis & Elkins made 12-of-31 attempts (39 percent) and 3-of-10 from three. Talley scored 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from three and Thornton added 10 to keep the Falcons in front.

The Falcons kept their lead over 20 points most of the way in the second half, leading by as many as 26 on two occasions. The Senators cut it to 17 points with 6:16 to go, but the Falcons promptly responded and never let the Senators get any closer to close out the victory.

Fairmont State returns to action against the high-powered West Liberty Hilltoppers next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.