VIENNA, W.Va. (Feb. 14) – Despite out-scoring Ohio Valley University in the second half, the Salem International women's basketball team was defeated 57-53 Saturday afternoon in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) action.
 
The loss drops the Tigers to 0-12 in conference play, 0-24 overall. Meanwhile, the Scots improve to 6-15 overall and 5-7 overall.
 
Three players scored in double-figures for Salem International, led by junior Samantha Aikens (Hilton Head Island, S.C.) who tallied 15 points. Senior Amanda Jackson (Dayton, Ohio) and classmate Jessica Lagard paced Aikens with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
 
Ohio Valley raced out to a 23-9 lead with 13:11 remaining in the first half, before the Tigers closed the gap. Salem International went on 13-4 run over the next eight minutes to pull within five points, 27-22, with 5:27 left until halftime. However, the Scots weathered the storm and took a 36-27 lead into the break.
 
The Tigers opened the second half with the five-unanswered points in the first minute to narrow the deficit to four points, 36-32. Ohio Valley rebuilt its lead to 11, 47-36, with 13:29 remaining in the game, but Salem International chipped away over the next 10 minutes. A jumper by Aikens with 2:13 left in the game pulled the Tigers within three, 53-50. After the Scots converted a pair of free throws, Lagard brought Salem International within two points, 55-53, on a three-pointer with 1:52 left to play in the game.
 
Unfortunately, the Tigers could not drain any of their three shot attempts in the final minute, allowing Ohio Valley to earn the win.
 
The Scots were led by Danielle Dunnagan, who finished with a game-high 18 points on six-of-12 shooting from the field.
 
Salem International resumes play on Wednesday, Feb. 19 when they head to Cedarville to take on the No. 23 Yellow Jackets (USA Today Division II Top 25 poll). The opening tip is set for 5:30 p.m.