Salem State Wins 93-84

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Sean Bryan scored 27 points and Salem State received 45 points from their bench as the Vikings rolled past Bridgewater State 93-84 on Wednesday evening. Salem State improves their record to 11-8 and go to 7-1 in the MASCAC while the Bears now stand at 4-13 and 2-4 in conference.  

Bryan connected on 8-of-13 attempts and added eight assists in the win. Deven Okowuga and Chris MacDonald led the charge as the two reserves combined for 28 points, with Okowuga contributing 10 rebounds and four assists. Juvens Louis also had a strong night off the bench, chipping in with 13 points. Josiah Green reached double-digits with 10 points. 

Bridgewater State had four starters in double figures, led by Jordan Wetterlind, who had 19 points with eight boards and eight assist. Stanley Pierre-Louis netted 17 points while Quinton Champagne and David Laine tallied 15 points and 14 points respectively.

Salem State was 8-for-15 from three-point range in the first half, led by nine points from MacDonald. The Vikings managed just one basket over the first four minutes of the game as the Bears hit their first five field goals in building a 14-2 advantage. The Vikings turned the tables, going on a 23-10 run while taking the lead, 25-24 after a MacDonald basket at the 7:05 mark. Salem State outscored Bridgewater State 24-10 over the final 10 minutes, taking their largest lead, 49-31 after a layup by Okowuga. A three from Laine cut into deficit right before the buzzer as Salem State entered halftime leading 49-34.

Bryan scored 18 points in the second half, helping Salem State keep the Bears from climbing back into the game. Bridgewater State battled back, drawing to within four points, 61-57 with 11:55 remaining. However, a quick 8-0 spurt by Salem State quickly grew the lead back to 12 points, 69-57 midway through the second. Leading by nine and with Bridgewater State making one last bid to get back in the game, Bryan came a way with a steal and converted two free throws to push the lead back to double digits to ice the game for Salem State.