RICHMOND, Virginia - With back to back home blowout wins for the Salem men's basketball, they seemed primed to stick to those winning ways as they headed across the state line to take on the Panthers of Virginia Union. However, the Tigers would come up just short in Richmond by a score of 75-64. 

In the first half, Salem got off to a great start thanks to some strong offensive play from Stan Smith and Fope Okuyiga. Unfortunately, the Panthers rallied to bring the game back level, and Salem was in for a dog fight the rest of the way. Virginia Union would take control of the game towards the end of the half, and the scoreline would read 38-26 in favor of the Panthers going into the halftime break. 

After the break, the Tigers had their work cut out for them as the Panthers held a commanding lead. The Salem comeback bid was on, and they made some headway thanks to some surprise contributors. Markanthony Fidelis and Ashraf Tchadouwa added a combined 20 points off the bench for the Tigers. Despite the elevated bench play, Salem did not have quite enough scoring punch to take control of the game again. Virginia Union would carry the contest through to the final whistle by a score of 75-64. 

On the score sheet, there were some bright spots for the Tigers. As per usual this season, Salem was led in scoring by Stan Smith with 13 points, but Markanthony Fidelis also dropped in 13 off the bench for the Tigers. Ashraf Tchadouwa logged a double double for Salem with his 11 points and 13 rebounds. 

While ideally the Tigers would have come away from Richmond with a win, they will have ample opportunity to get back on track this week at home. They take on local rival Alderson Broaddus at T. Edward Davis Gymnasium on December 15th at approximately 7:30 PM. That contest will begin after the women's basketball contest against the Battlers, which begins at 5:30 PM.