Husson Hands Salem First Loss of 2025

SALEM, Mass. – Salem State's women's basketball three-game win streak was snapped tonight as the Vikings fell to Husson University, 78-66, dropping their record to 7-8 on the season.

Kylie Gates (Pembroke, Mass.) led Salem State with a near triple-double performance, recording 18 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists while Ernidia Goncalves (Everett, Mass) finished with 13 points and 19 rebounds for a double-double. Abuk Teng (Manchester, N.H.) contributed a game-high 19 points in the effort.

Hannah Richards led the Eagles with 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Lily Roy and Saige Evans each scored 16 points to help secure the victory for Husson.

How it Happened:

• The game began with both teams trading baskets before the Eagles found their rhythm, scoring five straight points to take a slight 14-9 lead midway through the first quarter. Maria Orfanos (Lynn, Mass.) cut the deficit to one possession with a perfect trip to the free-throw line, but the Eagles responded, extending their lead to six, 24-18, by the end of the stanza.
• The second quarter saw both teams combine for just three points in the first three minutes, before a three-pointer from Richards gave Husson their first double-digit lead, 29-19. The Eagles would extend their advantage to as much as 13 points, before heading into the break ahead, 41-30.
• Roy and Richards combined for 20 of Husson's 25 points in the third quarter, helping the Eagles maintain a 66-51 lead heading into the final 10 minutes of play.
• Gates fought to keep her team in the game, contributing seven points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the quarter, but the Vikings' deficit proved too large as the Eagles ultimately secured the 78-66 victory.

Inside the Numbers:

• Before tip-off, Salem State women's basketball celebrated Abuk Teng for reaching 1,000 career points on Wednesday night. Teng accomplished this milestone in just 82 games, making her the second-fastest player to do so in program history.
• Goncalves continues to dominate on the boards, grabbing 19 rebounds in back-to-back games and increasing her total of double-digit rebound performances to nine this season.

Up Next:
The Vikings return to conference play this Wednesday, January 15th, as they host the Rams from Framingham State University at Twohig Gymnasium, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.