Vikings Conquer Trailblazers, 76-70

SALEM, Mass. – Salem State men's basketball returned to the win column with a 76-70 victory over the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Trailblazers. The win improves the Vikings' record to 5-11 overall and 2-1 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) play.

Nicholas Martinez (Revere, Mass.) led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 10 of 18 from the field. Tyrese Rho (Boston, Mass.) and Omro Merryman (Lynn, Mass.) contributed 16 and 13 points, respectively, in the Vikings' victory.

For MCLA, Craig Williams scored 18 points, while Quentin Gittens posted a double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds in the effort.

How it Happened:

• Martinez and Rho sparked the Vikings early, combining for the team's first nine points to give Salem State a 9-2 lead, which they maintained until the 13-minute mark. At that point, a three-pointer gave the Trailblazers their first lead of the game.
• However, the advantage was brief as the Vikings answered with a 13-0 run, extending their lead to 27-14 with 8:45 remaining in the half but the Trailblazers drained four three-pointers in the final eight minutes to enter the break trailing by seven, 44-37.
• The Vikings maintained a slim lead for most of the second half until the Trailblazers went on an 8-0 run, taking their first lead since the 13-minute mark of the first half with 2:42 remaining in the game. However, Salem State responded swiftly, scoring five unanswered points to reclaim a 72-69 advantage.
• With just over a minute to go, the Trailblazers cut the deficit to two points, but the Vikings sealed the win by hitting all four of their free throws in the final 25 seconds, securing a 76-70 victory over MCLA.

Inside the Numbers:

• Nicholas Martinez had a season-high six steals this afternoon.
• Jarnel Snow (Lynn, Mass.) continues to be a spark off the bench, netting 10 points in 23 minutes of action for the Vikings.

Up Next:
The Vikings hit the road on Wednesday, January 22, as they travel to Worcester State University to face the Lancers at 5:30 p.m.