Salem State Dominates Johnson & Wales 74-51

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Salem State secured a 74-51 victory over the Johnson & Wales Wildcats on Tuesday evening at the Wildcat center, The Vikings (2-8) pick up their second win of the year while Johnson & Wales remains winless at 0-8. 

Liz Zaiter scored a team-high 16 points, going 8-12 (66.7%) from the floor with eight rebounds. Nicole Freddo had 12 points and five boards while Kylie Gates knocked in eight points, with five rebounds and five assists. Gabby Torres contributed 11 points and six steals. Katie Wallace secured a game-high 11 rebounds for Salem State. 

The Wildcats were led by Victoria Russian (Milford, Mass.) who had 21 points and eight rebounds.  Jennell Martin also scored double digits (11 points) while adding eight rebounds.

The Vikings held a 21-18 advantage at the end of one quarter of play. Trailing 27-25 in the second, six straight points by Salem State gave the Vikings a lead they would not relinquish. Two free throws by Torres extended the lead to 37-29 with :44 seconds remaining before the Vikings exited the half with a a 37-31 lead. Johnson & Wales managed to close to within four points in the third quarter, but a 6-0 run helped spark the the Vikings to a 52-43 lead at the end of three periods.

Salem State owned the fourth quarter, shooting 8-of-15 (53.3%) from the field while holding the Wildcats to 4-of-17 (23.5%) shooting as the Vikings held Johnson & Wales without a point for over three minutes at the beginning of the period. Abuk Teng gave the Vikings their largest lead, 72-45 with 3:14 remaining as Salem State went on to win 74-51.