Late Surge Pushes Gordon Past Salem State

WENHAM, Mass. --  Gordon College used an 18-5 spurt to pull away late for a 98-81 win over Salem State. Leading by just four, 80-76 with 3:29 left the Fighting Scots held the Vikings to just one field goal as Gordon pulled away for a 17-point victory.

Sean Bryan led Salem State (2-3) with 24 points while Hakeem Animashaun added 18 points and 13 rebounds. Tyreik McCauley had 17 points and six rebounds and Matt McCune added 10 points off the bench.

Animashaun led the Vikings with 12 first half points as Salem State stayed within striking distance, trailing by just five, 46-41 at the half. Back-to-back scores by Animashaun tied the game at 55-all with 15:16 left.  The teams traded baskets until Animashaun gave the Vikings a one-point lead, 63-62 at the 12:11 mark.

However, Salem State could not re-establish the lead over the final 10 minutes as Gordon (3-1) went 18-35 (51.4%) from the field in the second half to hold off the Vikings.

Salem State hit just 5-18 (27.8%) from behind the arc after halftime and just 8-30 (26.7%) for the game.

Jake Haar led the Fighting Scots with 28 points and Eric Demers added 26 for Gordon, which shot 37-73 (50.7%) for the game.