Worcester, MA --- Salem State junior Brian Clark (Deerfield, MA) recorded totals of 22 points and six rebounds to help lead the Vikings to an 82-66 triumph over Worcester State in men's MASCAC basketball action this evening at the Lancer Gymnasium.
Junior Appolos Wade (Taunton, MA) notched 14 points and six boards for SSC (9-6, 3-1 MASCAC) as sophomore Tristian Shannon (Andover, MA) added seven points, six caroms, two assists and two blocks. Senior Nick Linear (Salem, MA) also chipped in with nine points and five assists.
Clark did his damage off of a seven-for-10 line from the field as he went eight-for-10 from the charity stripe. Clark was also two points above his average. Clark leads the conference in average scoring with 20.4 PPG.
The Blue and Gold (3-14, 1-4 MASCAC) were fueled by senior Dave Douilette's (Bridgewater, MA) fifth double-double (15 points - 10 rebounds) of the season while sophomore Monte Goodwin (Boston, MA/Belmont) and junior Frank Stephenson (Fall River, MA) each scored 13 points apiece. Third-year Clayton Timas (New Bedford, MA) finished with 10 points while Goodwin ended his evening with eight caroms for WSU.
Following three ties and a two lead changes, Salem State took the 16-13 edge on a three-pointer by Wade with 11:33 remaining in the opening period. The Vikings lead increased by four points (18-14) at 10:08, but Worcester State stayed within striking distance over the next three minutes of play.
As the visitors led 21-20 with 8:58 to go SSU went on a 9-1 run as they took over a 30-21 advantage at the 7:10 mark. The Lancers got to within four with just under five minutes to play (32-28) before the Vikings used a 7-2 spurt to put their lead into double-digits.
Down by 12 in the waning seconds of the period, Douillette canned a trey for the nine point game at the intermission (47-38).
The Vikings were hot from three point land in the first period as they connected for six of their 12 attempts from beyond the arc.
Salem State immediately picked up right where they left off in the first stanza as they would outscore Worcester State 17-4 over the first six minutes of the frame for the commanding 64-42 edge, their largest margin to that point.
As the Vikings led 68-48 at the 12:08 mark, the Lancers sliced into the deficit using a 7-0 run to get within 13 points midway through the half (68-55), but that was as close as they would get for the remainder of the contest.
Both teams were even in the rebounding column (37-37), with points in the paint (32-32) and second-chance points (14-14) while the Lancers dominated points off turnovers (28-16) and offensive boards (17-9).
Salem State shot 53 percent from the field for the contest (28-for-52) while WSU was held to 33 percent for the game – 29 percent alone in the final stanza (10-for-34). The Blue and Gold also shot poorly from the free throw line as they only hit 17 of their 27 bids (63 percent).
Worcester State will play again on Thursday evening with a non-conference contest against Wheaton at 7 PM on the road while the Vikings will take a week off before they entertain MCLA on Tuesday at 8 PM.