SALEM, W.Va. - The Salem International University men's basketball team erased a 19 point second half defecit, but the Tigers ran out of gas late and dropped a 71-63 decision to G-MAC rival Alderson Broaddus University Monday night at the T. Edward Davis Gymnasium.

The Tigers fall to 1-10 (0-4 G-MAC) while AB improves to 8-5 (2-1 G-MAC).

After shooting just 31.0% from the field in the first half, the Battlers looked the cruise in the second, building up a 19 point lead (53-34) with 12:38 remaining in the game. However, Salem's pressure defense paid off over the next four minutes as they outscored AB, 22-4, to pull with just one point (57-56) with 7:03 remaining. However, the Battlers would respond to push the lead out to seven (63-56) and hold on for the win.

Abel Tillman had 14 points on 7-of-11 from the field. Tillman grabbed a team-high eight rebounds to go along with five blocks.

Salem will step out of G-MAC play this weekend when they host West Virginia University Institute of Technology on Saturday at the T. Edward Davis Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM with live stats and video being available at the SIU Stretch Internet Portal.

Photo's of tonight's game can be purchased from Sam Santilli Photography. Visit www.SamSantilliPhotography.com .