Johnson & Wales Hands Salem State First Loss

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Johnson and Wales defeated Salem State by a score of 84-69 on Tuesday evening in Providence. Both teams are now 1-1 on the year.  

For Salem State, Nicholas Martinez scored 23 points while Michael Makiej earned a double-double, scoring 19 points with 12 rebounds. As for Johnson and Wales, Aireus Raspberry tallied 21 points with eight rebounds. 

The Wildcats began the game scoring six points in quick succession before Salem State's Nicholas Martinez tipped in a basket to put the Vikings on the board. Following a Vikings' timeout, Salem State came out more aggressively, and both teams began attacking each other's zones. Midway through the period, Salem State was down by just three points by a score of 21-18. However, the Wildcats managed to extend their lead when Ammiel Mumford dunked the ball home, beginning a 12-0 run. With the score at 33-18, coach Harvey called another timeout to regroup his team. 

Unfortunately, for Salem State, the Wildcats continued to dominate the game, and the Vikings found themselves trailing by 16 points at halftime, by a score of 40-24. Nicholas Martinez led the Vikings with six points and two assists, while Michael Makiej had six rebounds. For Johnson and Wales, Josh Zangerle scored 10 points, Ammiel Mumford had five rebounds, and Mike Rogers had two assists. 

Heading into the second half, Salem State was looking to bounce back and turn the game around. However, the Wildcats continued to execute, while Salem State struggled with turnovers and foul trouble, making it difficult for them to mount a comeback. 

After the game coach Harvey stated. "No excuses. They played a lot harder and we knew they were going to bounce back after a tough loss at Salve Regina, which wasn't their best performance. So we knew they were going to come out with a lot of energy, which they did, and they sustained it for 40 minutes. As sloppy as it was, I am proud that we didn't quit…"  

Midway through the period, the Vikings were down by as many as 18 points, by a score of 58-40. Although Salem State showed some signs of life with a 7-0 run, that's the closest they could get as the Wildcats started hitting from the three-point range, increasing their lead. In the end, the Wildcats held on to earn a well-deserved victory.