Salem University fell behind early and never recovered as the Tigers fell to nationally 16th-ranked West Liberty University 117-67 in NCAA Division II men's basketball Wednesday at West Liberty, W.Va. Fonz Hale led the Tigers with 20 points.
 
Salem (1-3) spotted West Liberty (3-1) the first 13 points of the contest before Hale's jumper got the Tigers on the scoreboard. The margin grew to 18 points before Shawn Christian's three-pointer with 13:48 left before halftime ignited a 10-0 run to slice the deficit to single digits.
 
Marko Tutunovic sank a pair of free throws and Jordan Forbes followed with a jumper. Malique Ross connected on a three-pointer with 11:27 left in the half to pull Salem within 24-16. But West Liberty answered with a three-pointer and the margin stayed in double figures for the remainder of the contest.
 
Tutunovic finished with 13 points and shared game-high honors with eight rebounds. Forbes added 10 points for the Tigers.
 
Salem is back home Saturday as the Tigers play host to Point Park University. Tip-off is 4 p.m. at T. Edward Davis Gymnasium.