While it isn't officially being called a "bubble," the Salem women's basketball team will play games on consecutive days at Mercyhurst Athletic Center as the Tigers travel to Erie, Pa., to take on Mercyhurst University today and Wednesday. This afternoon's game tips off at 3 p.m. and Wednesday's contest is slated for a 2 p.m. tip-off.
 
Spectators will not be allowed by order of Pennsylvania COVID-19 restrictions, but Video and Live Stats will be available for both games, courtesy Mercyhurst.
 
Salem (0-3) is playing for the first time since a pair of away contests against Division I schools Thanksgiving weekend. The Tigers stayed within two possessions of Delaware throughout most of the first half and played Norfolk State to within 42-40 in the second half. (Delaware is off to a 3-0 start has wins over both an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent and a Big East Conference opponent in the same season for the first time in eight years when NCAA Player of the Year and WNBA Most Valuable Player Elena Delle Donne was a member of the Blue Hens.)
 
As a team, Salem is tied for fourth in the nation with 11 three-point field goals per game. The Tigers knocked down 10 three-pointers against Norfolk State. Two Tigers have had a 20-point performance this season as Nerea Arambarri Fernandez scored 21 points against Norfolk State and Alicia Smith scored 21 points in Salem's season opener against Georgetown College (Ky.).
 
Mercyhurst (2-0) posted close victories at home last Tuesday and Wednesday against Lincoln University (Pa.), winning 64-61 and 58-51. The Lakers also played exhibition games at Division I University At Buffalo and Niagara University.
 
This week's games mark the first meeting between Salem and Mercyhurst in more than a decade. The Tigers fell to the Lakers November 20, 2009, at Mercyhurst.
 
Salem closes out its December schedule Friday afternoon as the Tigers travel to Towson, Md., to take on Division I Towson University.