FAIRMONT, W. Va.- The Mercyhurst men's basketball team fell, 72-53, at Fairmont State Friday night. New Lakers Damon Jones and Paris Bennett each scored 12 points to lead the team in the 2014-15 season opener. 

Jones scored the first basket of the year 41 seconds in and then James Ewing made a steal, leading to a Sean Beins hoop for an early 4-0 lead. After a Fairmont three-point play, Gerrae Williams scored and then Ewing made a layup, giving the Lakers an 8-3 lead at the 17:37 mark. The hosts followed with a 13-0 run to take the lead, however. Buckets by Jones and Williams cut the deficit, but the Falcons responded with five straight points. With 9:02 left in the half, Jones finished a three-point play to pull within six points. After another FSU run, Bennett provided a spark off the bench, hitting a pair of jumpers as the half wore on. Fairmont entered halftime with a 42-21 advantage.

Williams scored early in the second half and then Beins sank a three-pointer at the 15:47 mark. He followed with a lay-in and then Jones and Bennett each scored, making it 52-32 with 13:56 to go. Bennett, Ewing, and Jean Onana each scored for a quick 6-0 spurt to get Mercyhurst within 15 midway through the period. Bennett then recorded two baskets to make it 57-44 with 5:40 remaining. That was as close as the Lakers would get, however, as the Falcons held off any further Mercyhurst advances.

Bennett recorded 12 points and six rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench. Jones scored 12 points, while Williams added eight. Beins tallied seven points and five boards. 

Mercyhurst shot 52 percent (23-44) from the field and held a 34-26 advantage in paint points. 

Mercyhurst will face West Virginia Wesleyan in a neutral site game at Fairmont State tomorrow. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.