Salem State Surges to 72-50 Win Over Men’s Basketball

Salem, Mass. – A strong second half led Salem State past Framingham State, 72-50 Saturday afternoon at the Twohig Gymnasium on "Think Pink" day sponsored by St. Jean's Credit Union. Marcus Faison (Cambridge, MA) led the Vikings with 17 points and six rebounds as Salem State improved to 6-1 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference and 12-8 overall. The loss dropped the Rams to 3-4 in the MASCAC and 6-14 overall.

Salem State dominated on the glass in the first half, which allowed them extra opportunities on offense as they tallied 15 points on second chances. They out-rebounded the Rams 21-12, nine of which were offensive rebounds. Faison carried the offensive load with 13 points as they beat Framingham State in the paint 20-12. However, the Rams didn't allow Salem State to run away with a large lead at any point as there were ten lead changes as the Rams shooters shot 50% from the floor in the first half.

Manny Payton (Fitchburg, MA) and Tyri Hampton (Fitchburg, MA) paced the Rams' offense with five points apiece. Wesley Ogbevoen (Boston, MA) added eight points off the bench as Framingham State's reserves outscored Salem State's 15-8. Just before the end of the half, Shaquan Murray (Boston, MA) gave the Vikings their largest lead of the game with a layup in transition that put them ahead 34-27. However, Daniel Gould (Quincy, MA) answered immediately with a mid-range jumper that gave a halftime score of 34-29 in favor of the Vikings.

In the second, Salem State eliminated any easy offense coming from the Rams as they held them to just 21 points in 20 minutes. A Drew Healey (Lowell, MA) jumper from just inside the three-point line sparked a 16-2 Salem State run that was headlined by Rayshaw Matthews (Boston, MA) and Sean Bryan (Lowell, MA) who combined for 10 points during that stretch. That run propelled them to a 27-point advantage with just over seven minutes remaining in the half. Salem State's bench closed out the game as they secured the 72-50 victory. 

Murray finished the contest with 16 points while Bryan added 10 points off the bench. Ogbevoen led the Rams with 14 points.

MASCAC competition continues for the Vikings as they host the Lancers of Worcester State on Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Rams will travel to Bridgewater State on Feb. 1 to face-off against the Bears at 5:30 p.m.  

*Courtesy of Salem State sports information