Vikings Cruise Past Falcons, 87-59

FITCHBURG, Mass. – Salem State men's basketball notched their third consecutive Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) win this afternoon after defeating the Fitchburg State Falcons 87-59 in their home gym. The victory improved the Vikings' record to 7-11 overall and 4-1 in MASCAC play.

Five Vikings scored in double figures on the afternoon, with Nicholas Martinez (Revere, Mass.) and Tyrese Rho (Boston, Mass.) leading the charge with 16 points each. Jarnel Snow (Lynn, Mass.) contributed 15 points off the bench, while on the boards, Liam Byrne (Melrose, Mass.) grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds to go along with eight points in the win.

The bench paced the Falcons, as Nathaniel Semedo and Joshua Jean Charles each scored 11 points. Additionally, 11 other Falcons contributed to the scoring effort.

How it Happened:

• The Vikings took control early and built a comfortable 14-point lead, as back-to-back three-pointers from Snow midway through the first half pushed their advantage to 22-8 with 10:05 remaining.
• Salem State maintained control and steadily grew their lead as the first half wound down. With under 30 seconds to play, Snow knocked down his fourth triple, and Rho sank a perfect trip to the free-throw line, giving the Vikings their largest lead of the game, 50-21, heading into halftime.
• The Vikings continued their dominance in the second half, leading by as many as 40 points at the 14:10 mark. Nine players scored two or more points, and 12 players contributed positive statistics, helping secure the dominant 87-59 victory.

Inside the Numbers:

• The Vikings limited their opponent to their lowest scoring output of the season, holding them to just 59 points.
• With 15 points tonight, Jarnel Snow has now notched double figures in his last four games.
• This afternoon's game marks the Vikings' second consecutive game shooting 50% or better from the field.

Up Next

The Vikings return home this Wednesday, January 29th, to host the Owls from Westfield State University at Twohig Gymnasium, with a 5 p.m. tip-off.