Strong Second Half Helps Vikings Fend Off Dolphins

Williamstown, Mass. -- Bryan Martinez and Hakeem Animashaun combined for 50 points and 24 rebounds and Sean Bryan chipped in with 15 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds to lead Salem State past Mount St. Vincent 97-85 in the consolation game of the Williams Tip-Off Tournamnet on Sunday afternooon. Martinez scored 14 of his game-high 26 points in the second half while Animashaun totaled a game-high 16 rebounds to go with 24 points for his first career double-double.     

The Vikings (2-2) took a slim 44-41 lead into halftime. Animashaun had a monster first half with 16 points and 13 rebounds as Salem State built an early 12-4 advantage. Leading 20-15, Salem State increased the lead to 32-19 following an Animashaun layup at the 6:34 mark. The Dolphins, however responded with 16-7 run highlighted by a basket and fee throw by David Collins that drew Mount St. Vincent to within four at 39-35 with 2:44 left. A Martinez jumper pushed the lead to 44-37 before the Vikings settled for a three-point lead at intermission. Collons led the Dolphins in first half scoring with 13 points going a perfect 5-5 from the field.  

A Kalos Evans three gave Mount St. Vincent its first lead of the game, 48-46 at 18:11 of the second half. Salem State received a spark from its bench as Matt McCune fueled a second half surge with a three and another basket by McCune bookended a 9-1 run by Salem State, which gave the Vikings a 71-59 lead with 10:55 left. Mount St. Vincent would get as close as seven points in the final 6:36, but Salem State went 12-15 (80%) from the foul line to ice the game.  

Salem State finished 34-77 (44.2%) from the floor while the Dolphins went 32-67 (47.8%), but just 4-18 (22.2%) from behind the arc.  

Evans led Mount St. Vincent with a game-high 28 points and seven rebounds while Raiquis Harris finished with 20.