Salem State Opens Conference Slate With 76-72 Victory Over Worcester State

SALEM, Mass. -- Liz Zaiter notched a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds and Abuk Teng scored a season-high 21 points as Salem State held off Worcester State 76-72 in the MASCAC opener for both teams on Wednesday evening at Twohig Gymnsium. The Vikings snap a two-game skid and improve to 6-8 on the season and go to 1-0 in conference. The Lancers lose their sixth straight and are now 4-9 and 0-1 in the league.

Nine first half points by Teng helped Salem State to a 25-19 first quarter lead as the Vikings forced eight turnovers in the opening period. Worcester State kept the game close, tying the score 29-29 following a Madison Gutierrez jumper midway through the second. The two teams exchanged baskets until a Kylie Gates layup and free throw gave the Vikings a 38-35 cushion with 1:36 left. Another free throw by Gates helped Salem State to a four-point halftime lead, 39-35.

The Vikings used a 12-3 run  late in the third to take a 60-51 lead as Zaiter went a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor with two free throws for 10 points. The lead grew to 11, 62-51 at the 9:22 mark of the fourth, but the Lancers battled back, cutting the deficit to one point, 63-62 after a made three-pointer by Katie Hurynowicz with 5:37 left. Worcester State took their first lead of the game, 64-63 with 5:13 left as Emma Found converted a layup. However, the Lancers came up empty on four straight possessions, allowing Salem State to take a three-point lead with 3:45 remaining. Back-to-back baskets by Abby St. Martin and Hurynowicz  regained the lead for the Lancers, but a huge offensive rebound by Teng and basket by Ernidia Goncalves put Salem State on top to stay with 2:13 left. Gutierrez  got Worcester State to within a point, 71-70, but a Teng free throw and block by Goncalves on the Lancers next possession ended any hopes or a Worcester State rally as Teng iced the game with four straight from the free throw line, giving Salem State a 76-72 victory. 

Goncalves finished with 14 points and nine rebounds and Gates chipped in with seven points, six assists and six steals for Salem State, which shot 47.4% (27-57) for the game.  

The Lancers had four players in double figures, led by Gutierrez, who had 17 points off the bench on 7-of-9 (77.7%) shooting. St. Martin and Hurynowicz combined for 30 points and 13 rebounds while Sarah Blomgren added 10 points for Worcester State, which struggled from the field, shooting 30-for-77 (39.0%).