SALEM, W. Va. (Feb. 10, 2018) — The Salem University Tigers men's basketball team reached the century mark for the first time this season, defeating an overmatched Ohio University Eastern 100-63. 

Salem started slow, struggling to track both Ohio Eastern point guard Darren Coleman and forward Troy Francis. Coleman was able to slither into the lane and, despite a slight frame, repeatedly challenge Salem's big men at the rim—finishing with 21 points and five assists on 6-for-16 shooting, getting to the free-throw line nine times, hitting seven.

The early dribble penetration helped to free Francis at the 3-point line, with Ohio Eastern's stretch forward scoring 22 points on 7-for-14 shooting, hitting 6-for-8 from the 3-point line. 

But any early moment quickly dissolved for Ohio Eastern once the Tigers turned up the pressure and deployed its depth, overwhelming the physically overmatched team. 

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Shawon Faltz led four Tigers in double figures with 17 points (on 6-for-10 shooting) as Salem's bench outscored its counterparts 65-4; most coming in transition as the Tigers exposed their opponent's lack of ball handlers with a full court press, forcing 30 turnovers (including 17 steals) to score 44 points off turnovers, including 22 fast break points. 

Reggie Oliver scored 15 points and four assists with five steals and Malik Toppin had 13 points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes before fouling out. Austin Coleman had 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting. 

The Tigers struggled from the outside, hitting just 26.3 percent from deep (10-for-38), but scored 56 points in the paint, shooting 46.4 percent overall. Salem won on sheer volume with an 84-53 advantage in shot attempts, out-rebounding Ohio University Eastern 41-33 in addition to generating turnovers. 

With the win, the Tigers improve to 6-16 on the season, including 5-6 at home. The team will return to action on the road against Chowan University on Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. before returning for their final home game against Central State on Feb. 21. The Tigers will close out their season on Feb. 24 against Bluefield State College.