Maurice drops 26 points, however Trailblazers fall to Vikings 87-81

North Adams, MA- The visiting Salem State Men's Basketball team received a game high 26 points from Shaquan Murray and Marcus Faison posted a double double effort of 18 points and 18 rebounds as the Vikings defeated the MCLA Trailblazers 87-81 this evening in MASCAC action.  With the win the Vikings stay unbeaten in conference play (3-0) and are 9-7 on the season overall.  The Trailblazers drop their third straight conference tilt in dropping to 4-10 overall and 0-3 in the MASCAC.

Salem led 36-25 at halftime and early in the second half the lead quickly ballooned to twenty points as the Vikings scored the first nine points of the period to take command 45-25 with 17:20 left to play.  MCLA answered with an immediate 7-0 run to get within 13 points and stay in the contest.  

A few minutes later, the Vikings pushed back out to a 56-38 advantage before MCLA made one last run.  MCLA would embark on a 15-4 spurt to pull within seven points at 60-53 with still plenty of time remaining.  The Trailblazers would eventually pull within six points with 6:39 left to play, however Murray would stem the run with a pair of free throws.  The Trailblazers would get no closer the rest of the way.

In the opening half, the Vikings led just 25-23 following an Adam Conquest three pointer, however they would go on an 11-0 run spurt to grab a 36-23 advantage in the final minutes of the half.  Ryan Cloutier started the run with a deep ball from the top of the key and Drew Healy culminated the spurt with a jumper from 15 feet with just 44 seconds left.  MCLA's Isshiah Coleman would connect in the lane to make the halftime score 36-25 in favor of the Vikings.

MCLA committed 11 turnovers in the half and shot just 36% from the floor.  Salem shot 40%, but owned a 23-17 edge off the glass due in part to Faison's 11 first half rebounds.

For the Trailblazers, Paul Maurice scored 23 of his team best 26 points in the second half going 10-19 from the floor.  Conquest had his best game of the season notching 15 points for MCLA.  The hosts rebounded from a porous first half shooting and ended at 46%, including a 6-12 showing from beyond the arc in the second half.  They did finish with 20 turnovers.

Murray was outstanding for the Vikings going 8-13 from the floor and a perfect 8-8 from the line for his 26 points.  He added 3 steals and 3 assists as well.  Faison was 7-16 from the floor for Salem.  Drew Healy added 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists before fouling out, while Zach Hurynowicz chipped in with 13 points. 

The Vikings shot 48% from the floor in the win.

MCLA will look to rebound on Saturday when they travel to Framingham to battle the Rams at 3pm.