Salem State Ends Skid, Beats Framingham State 78-70

SALEM, Mass. -- Hakeem Animashaun (Dedham, Mass.) posted 15 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, and four assists to power the Salem State Vikings to a 78-70 win over the Framingham State Rams on Wednesday evening. Animashaun energized the Vikings on both sides of the ball, helping Salem State to their first conference win. Salem State is now 2-15 and 1-4 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). Framingham State slips to 1-16 on the year and 0-4 in the MASCAC.

5:11 into the first half, Patrick Bugler (Marblehead, Mass.) swung it to Evan Mason (Gloucester, Mass.) behind the arc, and Mason drained a three, giving the Vikings their first lead of the game at 9-8. Later, Mason swatted Zaire Peart's (Worcester, Mass.) shot and on the other side, as Bugler hit a three to put Salem State up 19-17.

The Vikings contained a tight 34-28 lead when Alex de la Rosa (Boston, Mass.) sent a half-court pass to Animashaun for a one-handed jam, with 4:36 remaining in the first half.

Framingham State's Tajahn Joyner (Amherst, Mass.) was fouled underneath the basket by Animashaun with 0.7 seconds left in the half and after converting both free throws, the Rams trailed 40-32 at the end of the first half.

Salem State shot well from the floor, making 53.6% (FG 15-28) of their field goals. Framingham State shot 41.2% (FG 14-34) from the field.

The Vikings' Mason dropped 13 points (FG 5-5, FT 2-2) and had two blocks in the half.

Salem State maintained a double digit lead to open the second half. Jaden Castillo (Lawrence, Mass.) couldn't be stopped when going to the rack, and Castillo's layups helped the Vikings build a 65-51 lead with 7:45 left in the half.

Framingham State trailed the whole second half, but got within six points by forcing multiple turnovers with their press. Gordon-Anderson made a layup and was fouled in the process. His free-throw made it a 70-64 game with 3:50 remaining in the game.

However, the Vikings managed to close out the game, winning 78-70. 

Salem State finished the game shooting 51.8% (FG 29-56) from the floor. The Rams didn't shoot well making 39.7% (FG 29-73) of their shots.

The Vikings' Mason had 16 points (FG 6-7, 3PT 2-2), four rebounds, and three blocks. Castillo finished with 15 points (FG 7-15), five rebounds and two steals. Chris MacDonald (Wakefield, Mass.) poured in 12 points and added six rebounds.  

Framingham State's Tyri Hampton (Fitchburg, Mass.) had a double-double of 18 points (FG 9-18) and grabbed 20 boards. Joyner had 14 points (FG 5-11) and six steals.