SALEM, West Virginia - With a tough road loss last week in Virginia, the Salem men's basketball team was anxious to get back to the comfort of their home floor. Luckily, they were set for a home matchup with local rival Alderson Broaddus. In a back and forth drama filled game, Salem would come up just short to the Battlers by a score of 84-82 in overtime. 

In the first half, Salem has their work cut out for them early as Alderson Broaddus came out of the locker room with some hot outside shooting. The Battlers would build up to a 18 point lead midway through the half, but Salem was not about to go away that easily. Led by some stellar play from Rodney Smith, the Tigers clawed their way back into the game, and trailed by just 8 going into the halftime break. 

In the second half, head coach Brett Rector clearly made some halftime adjustments that gave the Tigers new fuel to build their comeback bid. Salem found their offensive groove behind great shooting from Stan Smith, and Markanthony Fidelis. Salem brought the score level again, and continued their surge to take a tight lead in the waning minutes of the contest. However, the Battlers proved themselves to be some tough customers, and they rallied in the final moments to level the contest and force overtime. 

In the overtime, the game remained neck and neck as each team traded baskets down the stretch. Ultimately, it would be foul trouble that was the Tiger's undoing as Rodney Smith fouled out during the overtime period. With their key distributor out of the game, Salem fell in the final seconds of the overtime period by a score of 84-82.

On the stats sheet, Salem still had an impressive night despite the loss. Rodney Smith led the way with a heroic 21 points. Stan Smith was just behind him with 16 points. Justin Tene  and Fope Okuyiga each dropped in 11 points for the Tigers. 

This home loss should make the Tigers especially motivated to get back into the win column in their next contest. They will have that chance when they meet up with Glenville State on Saturday, December 17th at 4 PM at T. Edward Davis Gymnasium.