Rams Sneak Past Vikings in Overtime

SALEM, Mass. – Salem State women's basketball hosted Suffolk University at Twohig Gymnasium tonight, where extra time was needed before the Rams secured the 77-74 victory. The overtime defeat leaves the Vikings with a 0-2 record to start the season.

The Vikings were led by Abuk Teng (Manchester, N.H.) who had a game-high 23 points while Ernidia Goncalves (Everett, Mass.) followed with 19 points and nine boards. Kylie Gates (Pembroke, Mass.) chipped in with 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and five steals in the effort.

For the Rams, Amanda DeAngelis (Londonderry, N.H.) notched a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double while Colby Guinta (Manchester, N.H.) added 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in the win.

How it Happened:

• The Vikings came out strong, opening the game on a 13-2 run before a jumper from the Rams at the 4:48 mark halted their momentum. Teng pushed Salem State's lead to 13 points, but a three-pointer from Jordan Moreau (North Kingstown, R.I.) helped Suffolk cut the deficit to 10, with the score standing at 19-9 as the first quarter came to a close.
• The Rams used free throws to chip away at the deficit, closing the gap to five as the second quarter began. They narrowed it to within four on two occasions during the period, but a perfect trip to the charity stripe from Nicolette D'Itria (Revere, Mass.) gave Salem the 27-20 advantage as the teams went into halftime.
• The Rams came out strong in the second half, opening with an 8-0 run to take the lead before a bucket and foul from Gates halted their momentum and put the Vikings back in front, 29-28. Suffolk regained the lead shortly after and extended it to as much as seven points, however, the Vikings responded with a 7-2 run to close the quarter, cutting the Rams' lead to just two, bringing the score to 49-47 as they entered the final frame.
• Midway through the fourth quarter, the Vikings went on a 9-0 run to take a slim 61-60 lead with just over two minutes remaining. With 30 seconds left in regulation, Teng sank a free throw that appeared to seal the game for Salem State. However, Guinta had other plans for the Rams, dropping her defender to drain a deep three-pointer, tying the game at 66 and sending it into overtime.
• Overtime saw five lead changes as both teams battled back and forth. The Rams eventually gained a slight edge, going 3-for-4 from the free-throw line to take a 75-72 lead with 19 seconds remaining. The Vikings answered quickly on the other end, but with time running out, the Rams sealed the win by making their free throws to clinch the 77-74 overtime victory.

Inside the Numbers:

• The Vikings won the battle inside, outscoring the Rams 46-26 in the paint.
• The game saw seven ties and 11 lead changes throughout.

Up Next:
The Vikings will conclude their home stretch this Saturday, November 16th, when they host crosstown rival Endicott College for a 2 p.m. tip-off.