Johnson & Wales Sails Past Salem State 88-61

SALEM, Mass. – A balanced offensive attack by Johnson & Wales, who had four players in double figures, led by Isabella Suero's 21 points, gave the Wildcats an 88-61 victory over Salem State on Wednesday night at Twohig Gymnasium. Johnson and Wales won their sixth straight (6-0) game to to open the season while the Vikings slide to 2-5. 

For Johnson and Wales, Suero shot 6-of-17 from the field, including 5-of-9 from three-point range and had five assists. Brianne Foley added 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting to go with 12 rebounds while Mikayla Caruso - 15 points and nine boards and Grace Jaffray - 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks played key roles in the win.    

For Salem State, Abuk Teng knocked in 21 points, going  8-of-15 from the field while Ernidia Goncalves posted a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. Kylie Gates finished with eight points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

How it Happened:

• Salem State opened up an early eight-point lead, thanks to seven first quarter points by Teng. Suero kept Johnson and Wales within striking distance, as she connected on 3-of-5 (60.0%) shots from three-point range. However, the Vikings managed to exit the first quarter leading 23-18.    
• Foley gave the Wildcats their first lead of the game, 26-25 at the 6:41 mark of the second with her first made three-pointer as a 19-2 Johnson & Wales run gave them a 37-25 advantage with 3:41 left in the second quarter. Suero, who had four of Johnson and Wales seven first half three-pointers, topped all scorers with 14 points at the break, which saw the Wildcats leading 47-35. The Vikings, who were just 1-for-7 (14.3%) from behind the arc were led by Teng, who had 11 points.     
• Johnson & Wales took their largest lead, 75-50 following a basket at the buzzer to end the third by Alex Lora. Salem State continued to struggle from three-point range, as the Vikings were just 1-of-9 (11.1%) and 17-of-56 (30.4%) overall from the floor, hampering their comeback efforts.
• A 9-2 Wildcats' run to open the fourth grew the margin to 32-points, 84-52 led by Foley, who accounted for seven of the points. Both teams emptied their benches midway through the quarter as the Wildcats coasted to a 27-point victory.             

Inside the Numbers:

• Johnson & Wales shot just 38.7% (29-75) from the floor, but were 11-of-27 (40.7%) from three-point range. 
• Salem State ended the game 21-of-75 (28.0%) overall and 1-of-13 (7.7%) from behind the arc. 
• The Vikings committed 19 turnovers to the Wildcats 15. 

Up Next:

Salem State will host WPI this Saturday, December 7 @ 12:00 pm.