DUNBAR — Davis & Elkins nearly completed a comeback but fell just short in an 80-77 Mountain East Conference loss to West Virginia State Wednesday night at the Walker Convocation Center.

The Senators trailed by as many as nine points in the second half but rallied behind Matthew Gray’s 30 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Nnadozie Okoroji added 16 points, hitting four 3-pointers, while Noah Adamczyk chipped in 10 points and four rebounds. Darrius Roach contributed nine points and key plays down the stretch, helping D&E cut the deficit to just two in the final seconds.

D&E showed resilience throughout, out-rebounding West Virginia State 41-38 and scoring 18 points off the bench. The Senators also forced multiple turnovers and converted 10 fast-break points, keeping the game close until the final moments.

D&E (6-9, 3-5 MEC) will return home on Saturday to face the University of Charleston at 4 p.m.