Strong First Half Propels Salem Past Men's Basketball 78-70

Salem, Mass. – The Framingham State University men's basketball team was defeated tonight by Salem State 78-70 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action at the Twohig Gymnasium.

THE BASICS:

- Score: Salem State 78, Framingham State 70

- Records: Framingham State (1-16, 0-4 MASCAC), Salem State (2-15, 1-4 MASCAC)

- Location:  Twohig Gymnasium – Salem, Mass.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• The Rams were paced offensively by a game-high 18 points from senior Tyri Hampton (Fitchburg, Mass.).  Hampton finished with a double double of his 18 points and a career-high 20 rebounds including eight on the offensive glass.
• Sophomore Jared Gordon-Anderson (Framingham, Mass.). chipped in with 17 points for the Rams on 7-of-14 from the floor and added two rebounds and two blocks.
• Sophomore Tajahn Joyner (Amherst, Mass.) finished with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and six steals for the Rams.
• The Vikings saw four players record double figures led by 16 points from Evan Mason.  Mason connected on 6-of-7 from the floor including a pair from behind the arc.
• Jaden Castillo and Hakeen Animashaun chipped in with 15 points apiece.  Animashaun just missed a double double as he grabbed nine boards with four assists and five blocks.
• Chris MacDOnald finished with 12 points and six boards for the hosts.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Rams led 17-12 on a Hampton bucket with 11:20 on the clock in the first, but the Vikings used a 9-0 run over the next two minutes to take a 21-17 lead.
• The Rams quickly retook the lead, 22-21, but Salem retook the lead on an Alex De La Rosa three pointer.  Salem maintained the lead for the remainder of the half leading by as many as 10 before heading to the locker room up 40-32.
• Salem pushed the lead to 13 in the opening minutes of the second half but the Rams closed the gap seven midway through the frame.  Salem quickly extended the lead back to double digits and were able to hold off the Rams down the stretch to secure the victory.

UP NEXT:                   

The Rams are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Bridgewater State at 3 p.m.