SALEM, West Virginia - After a tight game against Seton Hill to open the home schedule, the Salem men's basketball team played host yet again on Saturday afternoon. This time, it was the nationally ranked West Liberty Hilltoppers who made the quick trip down from the northern panhandle to T. Edward Davis Gymnasium. Salem hung tough with West Liberty for most of the way, but it would be the Hilltoppers who pulled away with the 111-82 win. 

For the first half, Salem had a tough task on their hands with the high energy offensive attack of the Hilltoppers. Yet, the Tigers stayed neck and neck with West Liberty thanks to some early hot shooting from Ian Hardy and Jack Garrison IV. Salem even held a slim lead with less than 5 minutes left in the half. Unfortunately, a Hilltopper rally resulted in a tight 49-46 ballgame at the half favoring West Liberty. 

In the second half, Salem narrowed the gap to just one right out of the gate with some strong interior play from Ashraf Tchadouwa. However, the Hilltopper offense kicked into high gear, and the Tigers could not quite keep up. They did get some big scoring plays from Kapone Barley down the stretch, but West Liberty simply had too much offensive firepower to handle. The Hilltoppers headed back up north with a 111-82 win over the Tigers. 

On the scoresheet, Salem still had some bright spots despite the loss. Kapone Barley led the way in scoring with 21 points. Jack Garrison IV was just behind him with 17 points, and Ashraf Tchadowa finished with his 4th double-double in as many games this season with 16 point and 11 rebounds. Ian Hardy also finished with a double-double with 11 rebounds and 10 points. Brandon Francois rounded out the Tigers in double figures with 11 points as well. 

While today's game didn't go the Tigers way, Salem will have a chance to get back on track when they make a trip up to Wheeling  on Tuesday, November 21st at 7:30 PM.