SALEM, W.Va. – Senior Malik Toppin notched his fifth double-double of the season to aid the Salem University men's basketball team to a strong second half to defeat Kentucky State 73-67, Saturday night in the Joe Manchin Classic.
 
With the win, the Tigers improve to 7-3, as Kentucky State drops to 4-5.
 
Salem shot 40 percent from the floor (24-60), while Kentucky State shot 37.1 percent (23-62). The Tigers also produced more second-chance points as they garnered 11 to the Thorobreds three.
 
The Tigers grabbed 15 more rebounds than Kentucky State, as Salem outrebounded the Thorobreds 41-26, while Salem also outscored Kentucky State 32-24 in the paint.
 
Toppin recorded a game-high 24 points, grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, and blocked two shots. This marks the third time Toppin has notched 20 or more points this season.
 
Sophomore Shawn Christian netted 12 points, snagged seven rebounds and recorded three steals, senior Christopher Shields also added 12 points, tallied eight rebounds, while the other Tiger in double-figures was junior Malique Ross who had 11 points, five rebounds and a game-high four assists.
 
In the first half, the Tigers quickly fell behind as Kentucky State opened the game with a 21-6 run after a good free throw from the Thorobreds' Ditalion Battle at 12:12 in the first half.  
 
Kentucky State held its largest lead in the first half of 17 at 6:41 left in the half after a layup by Deandre Wynn for a 35-18 lead over the Tigers. From there, the Tigers chipped away at the Thorobreds' lead, as Shields netted a three from Ross to end the half as Salem trailed Kentucky State 41-31.
 
Salem started the second half on a 9-1 run as it trailed Kentucky State 42-40 after back-to-back slams from Toppin at 17:36. On the second dunk, Ross had an impressive diving save to find Christian who immediately found a cutting Toppin for the dunk.
 
But, the Thorobreds extended their lead back to 14, as they lead the Tigers 56-42 after a jumper from Orlando Fikes.
 
With 6:58 remaining in the contest, the Tigers trailed 63-53, from there Salem went on a 12-0 run after a layup by Toppin to take the Tigers first lead of the contest with just 2:50 left in the game with a 65-63 advantage.
 
Toppin netted another layup with 1:27 remaining in the game for a 67-65 lead over Kentucky State. Salem then connected on its next six free throws (6-6) to secure the 73-67 win over Kentucky State.
 
The Tigers are back in action tomorrow for the second day of the Joe Manchin Classic against Concord with tip-off at 7:00 p.m. following the Kentucky State and California (Pa.) game at 5:00 p.m.