Vikings Sneak by Rams, 85-75

SALEM, Mass. --  Salem State men's basketball notched their second win of the week after defeating the Rams of Framingham State University by a score of 85-75. This afternoon's win improves the Vikings to 11-9 overall and 4-4 in conference play.

All five Viking starters recorded double-digits in the victory; Jaden Castillo (Lawrence, Mass.) led the way with 26 points followed by L.J. Hicks (Gardner, Mass.) who netted 21. Liam Byrne (Melrose, Mass.) had an all-around game with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and four steals.

On the other side, Joshua Saint Jean (Lynn, Mass.) paced the Rams with 23 points and 12 rebounds while Joshua-Daniel Okafor (Boston, Mass.) added 17 points of his own in the effort.

Michael Makiej (Andover, Mass.) and Castillo recorded the Vikings first eight points of the game to give Salem the 8-2 edge after just four minutes of action. The Rams would remain in striking distance before a Byrne dunk put the Vikings ahead, 18-11 with 9:14 to play in the half. With just over three minutes to go a triple from Castillo would give the Vikings the double-digit edge (32-22) but the Rams were able to bring it back to a nine-point game before the buzzer sounded, making it a 39-30 game in favor of the Vikings.

Framingham used the opening minutes of the second to claim their first lead of the game when back-to-back deep balls made it a 45-44 game in their favor with 16:55 to play. Both teams would exchange the lead over the next four minutes before the Vikings strung together six unanswered points to take the 56-52 edge. Salem would hold the slight advantage before back-to-back triples from Wil Martinez (Revere, Mass.) gave the Vikings the 70-62 lead with just over seven minutes remaining. Two minutes later, a 6-0 run for the Vikings would halt any momentum from the Rams, as it reclaimed their double-digit advantage (76-64). Martinez would connect on one more deep ball in the final minute to solidify the Vikings 85-75 victory over the Rams.

The Vikings are back at home this Wednesday, February 7 when they welcome the Trailblazers from MCLA for their annual pride game. Tipoff is at 7p.m..