WILBERFORCE, Ohio (Feb. 16) – The Tigers were defeated 81-64 by Central State in non-conference play Tuesday evening.
 
The Salem International University women's basketball team falls to 3-22 overall, while the Marauders improve to 11-12 this season.
 
Senior TaShay Smith (Baltimore, Md./Overlea) led the Tigers with 18 points, seven rebounds, three steals and three assists. Senior Samantha Aiken (Hilton Head Island, S.C./Hilton Head) chipped in 12 points, while sophomore Toi Brown (Detroit, Mich./Melvindale) added 11 points and five steals.
 
Salem International held the lead for the majority of the first quarter, until a 13-5 run to close the frame by Central State gave the hosts a 25-20 lead after one period. The Marauders clamped down defensively on the Tigers, holding Salem to just 4-of-16 shooting in the second quarter, to take a 43-28 lead into halftime.
 
Central State led by as many as 26 points in the second half, 75-51, but the Tigers remained resilient with 14-2 stretch to pull to 77-63 with 2:17 left in the game. Unfortunately, Salem International ran out of time, as the Marauders held on for the win.
 
Central State was led by Meshia Smith who finished with a double-double, 19 points and 13 rebounds.
 
The Tigers will play another non-conference game on Saturday, Feb. 20 when they head to Bluefield State for a tip at 5 p.m.