Salem State sails past Men’s Basketball, 89-61
Salem, MA- Salem State had four players in double figures and outscored MCLA 45-32 in the second half to cruise to an easy 89-61 league win at the O'Keefe Center this evening. With the win Salem State improves to 4-13 (2-2 MASCAC) while MCLA falls to 6-8 (2-2 MASCAC).
Sophomore JoJo Garcia scored all his 11 points in the first half helping the Trailblazers to stay within striking distance though the Vikings would take a 44-38 advantage into the locker room.
Salem State opened the second half with an 18-4 run which was capped off by a Chris MacDonald jumper with just over fifteen minutes to play to stretch the Viking lead to 62-42.
MCLA never made any serious threats as they would struggle offensively only scoring only 23 second half points.
MacDonald would finish with a game-high 17 points. Connor Byrne (16 points and 11 rebounds) and Jarret Byrne (15 points and 10 rebounds) each posted double-doubles. Jayden Castillo added 14 points for the Vikings.
MCLA was led by Noah Yearsley's 14 points. Garcia and Jamie Nurse both finished with 11 points.
Salem State shot 55% from the field including 46% from beyond the arc. MCLA shot just 31.5% from the field including 19.4% from three.
Both teams will be back in action this Saturday at noon as the Vikings hit the road to take on Framingham State while the Trailblazers return home to battle league leading Worcester State.