Box Score
SALEM, W. Va. (Jan. 27, 2018) – Standing at the top of the key on defense, Salem University Tigers' women's basketball forward Isis Mance tracked Bluefield State College's passes as the ball swung from wing to the corner and back.

As Bluefield State's Sydney Coleman flashed to the elbow, looking to receive the ball in the middle of the Salem's zone defense, Mance crept closer, pouncing on the entry pass and deflecting it into the hands of Jillian Romero.

Romero immediately hit Keishla Gilmore with an outlet pass, who shoveled the ball to Mance for the fast break layup.

It was just one of many moments in, perhaps, the Tigers' finest sustained defensive performances of the season to defeat Bluefield State College 79-51.
Playing with newfound defensive energy, the Tigers took advantage of Bluefield State College's loose handle, digging in on entry passes into the post, swiping at dribble penetration and jumping passing lanes to force 24 Bluefield State turnovers.

For a night, it was as if Salem tapped into the offensive rhythm of its opponent and disrupted it, generating 12 steals, led by the backcourt of Gilmore and Aaliyah Dotson, who had four each.
Salem ratcheted up the defensive pressure early, gaining a 14-0 edge in points off turnovers in the first quarter, ending with a 25-7 advantage for the game.

The live ball turnovers Salem generated fueled its running attack, scoring 16 fast break points to Bluefield State's two.

Gilmore (16 poin6s, 6-for-13 shooting) was a blur in the open court, running off rebounds (six total, four defensive), freezing or twisting defenders with a cruel Eurostep for layups or quick passes. Mance, by contrast, used her combination of power, nimble footwork and dexterity to gain an edge in transition and finish strong at the rim.

Offensively, Mance shifted roles between center and guard, puncturing the defense off the dribble and pounding the ball inside for 23 points (on 10-for-15 shooting) and nine rebounds (four offensive) as Salem outscored Bluefield State College 12-3 in second-chance points.

Jillian Romero was aggressive from deep, hitting four 3-pointers for 18 points while pulling down nine rebounds and four assists. Doston had a strong all-around game, posting nine points, 11 rebounds and three assists to go with her four steals. Ashley Hancock led the bench with nine points, hitting three 3-pointers.

???????Rosalle Pozo led Bluefield State with 21 points and nine rebounds, hitting 8-for-26 from the field. Bria Gates had 13 points on 3-for-12 shooting and Lyndsay Hatfield scored 11 as the last Bluefield State College player in double figures.

Salem held Bluefield State to just 26.6 percent shooting for the game, including 28.6 percent from the 3-point line while avoiding fouls, holding Bluefield State to just eight free throw attempts.
With its greatest margin of victory for the season, Salem improves to 5-13 on the season and will travel to play Fairmont State on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m.