SALEM, W. Va. (Dec. 9, 2017) — Throughout the second half, the King University Tornado had an answer for every Salem University run, and the Tigers didn't have enough answers for a disastrous first half, losing 84-78 to open the Joe Manchin Classic. 

The Tigers were out-rebounded soundly in the first 20 minutes, giving up 17 offensive rebounds en route to being out-rebounded 32-17, giving King University 17 more shots as the Tornado took a 40-31 lead heading into halftime. 

Salem's competitive response was sharp in the second half, battling on the boards to match King's second-half total of 13 rebounds. 

The Tigers got a lift from power forward Marko Tutunovic, who scored all 19 of his points in the second half, finishing 7-for-10 from the field and 4-for-6 from the 3-point line. Tutunovic worked in tandem with Jordan Robinson in pick and pop situations, working as a release valve against the pressure defense and punishing teams for sagging off him. 

Reggie Oliver also caught fire in the second half, scoring 15 of his game-high 27 points, finishing 8-for-17 from the field, including 5-for-11 from the 3-point line. 

But for every shot the Tigers hit to claw back to within a possession or two, it seemed like King University guard Timothy Taylor had an answer, matching 3-pointers with walk-up, off-the-dribble bombs of his own (2-for-3 in the second half) and setting into the space between the perimeter defense and rim protectors to shake free for his smooth jumper. 

Ignacio Rodriguez contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, shooting 5-for-13 from the field, but struggled from deep, hitting just 2-for-9. Robinson was held scoreless, but got the Tigers into their offense, finishing with eight assists and no turnovers. 

Malik Toppin posted another double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds with three blocks. 

Jordan Floyd led a balanced Tornado attack with 15 points off the bench, while Taylor contributed 14 points and five assists. Je'Don Young had 13 points, Kalen Clifton scored 12, and Shon'Dre Dukes had 10 points and eight rebounds on 4-for-5 shooting. 

The Tigers will finish the Manchin Classic on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. against the Lincoln University Lions.