Box Score CALIFORNIA, Pa. (Nov. 28, 2017) – The Salem University Tigers men's basketball team lost 97-88 to the California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans in a high scoring 3-point shootout.

Both teams combined to attempt 69 3-pointers, trading shots through the last half of the second half as California University held Salem University at bay.

After Salem's Ignacio Rodriguez tied the game at 60-60 on his fifth 3-pointer of the evening, the Vulcans reeled off a 20-4 run, kicked off by back-to-back wide-open corner 3-pointers from Cordell Smith against the Tigers' 2-3 zone. California moved the ball and bodies in coordination, finding open shots to build a 16-point lead.

Then the Tigers went to work, getting an 8-0 run from the play of Marko Tutunovic, who, in three consecutives possessions, hit a pair of free throws, assisted Malik Toppin on a layup and foul for a three-point play, then drained a 3-pointer. 

A California 3-pointer briefly interrupted the run, but Rodriguez answered with another 3-pointer and a pair of free throws after being fouled attempting a 3-pointer, making two of three from the free-throw line.

Jordan Robinson's 3-pointer with 1:23 remaining brought the Tigers to within three at 86-89, but on the ensuing possession, Toppin fouled Robel Teckle, who made the first free throw and missed the second.  The Tigers failed to secure the defensive rebound, however, conceding more time and another jumper to California for a four-point lead.

Salem University then committed four turnovers over the final minute, allowing California to pull away for good.

Five players scored in double figures for the Tigers, led by Rodriguez, who scored 23 points while hitting 7-for-14 from the 3-point line. Toppin contributed a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Reggie Oliver scored 22 points on 7-for-18 shooting and led the team with eight assists but committed 10 turnovers. Jordan Robinson had 11 points and seven assists and Tutunovic had 10 points and five rebounds.

Terry Davis led California with 25 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 8-for-17 from the field, including 5-for-8 from the 3-point line. Smith contributed 22 points, hitting 7-for-13 from the 3-point line.

With the loss, the Tigers fall to 2-3 and California improves to 4-2. Salem University will be in action again this weekend, hosting Chowan University on Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.