Men's Basketball struggles with first place Vikings as they fall 103-77

Salem, MA- The Salem State men's basketball team remained atop the MASCAC with a resounding 103-77 win over the visiting MCLA Trailblazers this evening.  The Vikings (11-8, 5-1) placed four players in double figures led by Sean Bryan's game best 22 point night.  Bryan also collected his 1,000th career point for the hosts in the win.

MCLA drops to 4-13 overall and is still in search of their first MASCAC win at 0-5.

The Vikings took control early in this one as they quickly jumped out to a double digit lead behind Bryan.  The guard needed 22 points exactly to reach the milestone and got off to a great start.  He scored 16 points in the opening half as the Vikings jumped out to a 51-28 lead at halftime.

Salem State left little doubt in this one as the lead quickly grew early in the second half.  The only drama was when Bryan would collect his milestone basket.  He took the ball at midcourt and raced past the MCLA defense with just under 13 minutes left to play and converted the layup while increasing the Viking margin to 76-43. 

The lead grew to as many as 38 points and the hosts cruised home.

Bryan was 8-19 from the floor and added 8 rebounds and 7 assists.  Hakeem Animashaun added a monster double double of 21 points and 18 rebounds.  Temitope Bailey was a perfect 7-7 shooting and ended with 16 points.

The Vikings shot 47% from the floor in the win.

MCLA was paced by Shamar Logins.  He ended with 14 points off the bench.  Mike Demartinis added 11 and George Felogloy notched 10.

The Trailblazers ended the game at 40% from the floor, but committed 19 turnovers.

MCLA is back at home on Thursday when they host Framingham State at 5:30.