FAIRMONT, West Virginia - In the night cap contest of the annual Joe Retton Classic hosted by Fairmont State, the Salem men's basketball team tipped off their season with a tough matchup with the Glenville State Pioneers. After trailing at the half, Salem rode a big second half surge to a hard fought 92-85 victory.

In the first half, Salem had a tough time early on with the tough Pioneer full court press defense, so Glenville State took early control of the game. Salem answered right back however as some strong offensive play from Riley Heatherington and Markanthony Fidelis to take a 19-18 lead midway through the half. However, the Glenville State press continued to stifle the Tigers, and it would be the Pioneers on top of the scoreboard at the halftime break by a score of 36-31. 

In the second, it was clear the head coach Brett Rector was able to make some effective adjustments in the locker room at half. The Tigers roared out of the break with some key fast break baskets early on, and quickly ate away at the Pioneers lead. Fueled by some hot shooting from Stan Smith and Rodney Smith, Salem took control of the game, and never looked back. The Tigers held off a late Pioneer rally towards the end of the half, and Salem pulled away with the tough 92-85 win. 

On the stats sheet, the Tiger's great performance was set up by Stan Smith as he led the team with 22 points, 3 rebounds, a steal, and an assist. Just behind him was Markanthony Fidelis who contributed 19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Rodney Smith and Riley Heatherington were also in double figures in scoring for Salem. Rebounding was also a key stat for the Tigers as Justin Tene tallied an impressive 17 boards, and Ashraf Tchadouwa added 11 rebounds. 

Salem will get right back at it as they are slated to take on host Fairmont State in the Joe Retton Classic on Saturday, November 12th at 7 PM.