Rams Outlast Vikings in Conference Play

SALEM, Mass. – Salem State men's basketball lost to Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) opponent, Framingham State University, 90-79 tonight at Twohig Gymnasium. The defeat dropped the Vikings to 4-11 on the season and 1-1 in conference play.

The Vikings were led by Omri Merryman (Lynn, Mass.) with 20 points and Tyrese Rho (Boston, Mass.) who added 19 points, while Jarnel Snow (Lynn, Mass.) contributed 16 points off the bench.

For the Rams, Kyle Philistin led all scorers with 25 points, and Joshua Saint Jean posted a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double in the victory.

How it Happened:

• In a back-and-forth opening stanza, the Viking used the free throw line to stay in the game, converting 11 of their 14 attempts to remain within two-points, 44-39, at the break.
• The Rams built a seven-point lead five minutes into the second half, but a pair of three-pointers from Merryman and Snow pulled the Vikings within a possession, making it 59-56 with 12:44 remaining.
•  After staying close for most of the half, a 6-0 Viking run gave them a 73-70 lead with just under five minutes to play. However, the Rams regained a slight edge before a dunk from Rho energized the crowd and tied the game at 76 with 3:32 left.
• Rho tried to keep his squad in the game, scoring the Vikings' final seven points over the last three minutes, but the Rams answered each time, ultimately securing a 90-79 victory.

Inside the Numbers:

• Jarnel Snow's 16 points tonight set a career-high for the orange and blue.
• Tyrese Rho made a career-high 11 free throws in tonight's performance.

Up Next:

The Vikings remain at home this Saturday, January 18 when they welcome the Trailblazers from MCLA to Twohig Gymnasium for a 12p.m. tip.