SALEM, W.Va. – With a collegiate career-high of 28 points freshman
Fonz Hale led the way as the Salem University men's basketball team clipped Bluefield State 67-63, in a lively T. Edward Davis Gymnasium.
With the win, the Tigers improve to 13-7, while Bluefield State drops to 6-13.
Salem shot 82.6 percent (19-23) from the free throw line, whereas Bluefield shot 69.2 percent (9-13) from the charity stripe.
Salem was outrebounded 41-35, however, the Tigers posted 23 points off turnovers, while Bluefield recorded just nine off turnovers. The Tigers forced Bluefield to 24 turnovers while Salem coughed up 16.
Bluefield was very active in the paint as it notched 30 points, while Salem scored about half of that with 16 points in the paint.
Hale led the way for the Tigers with his career-high 28 points, to go along with four rebounds and four steals, while junior
Malique Ross stuffed the stat line as he netted 15 points, dished out seven assists and grabbed six boards.
Senior
Malik Toppin posted a near double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Senior
Ferlandis Penny grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.
Salem got off to a slow start, as it did not lead in the game until 14:01 in the first half as Toppin connected on a layup for a 14-13 Tiger lead.
The Tigers grabbed their largest lead of the game just three minutes later as Ross knocked down a pair of free throws to give Salem a 25-15 lead. With 3:49 remaining in the first half, Bluefield connected on a three to take a 29-28 lead.
Salem trailed 33-31 at intermission.
The Tigers captured the lead in the second half at 15:20 as Ross drained a pull-up jumper for a 41-40 advantage. Salem and Bluefield then exchanged leads a couple times, but at 3:01 Toppin connected with a huge bucket to give Salem a 60-59 lead.
Just one minute later, Ross drove the lane and kicked the ball to a wide-open senior
Christopher Shields who knocked down a big-time three to give Salem a four-point lead (63-59).
Ross and Hale each connected on a pair of free throws to seal the win for the Tigers.
Salem is back in action Wednesday as it hosts Davis and Elkins at 7:00 p.m.
