SALEM, WV - The Tigers played host to the visiting Hilltoppers from West Liberty this weekend in their fifth game of the young season. Salem looked to build off the success they had against Seton Hill earlier in the week but was unsuccessful in the end as they fell to the Hilltoppers.

The first quarter of the game action started tightly fought and stayed that way for the entirety of the game's beginning. Salem was led in the opening minutes by forward, Elena Pericic, who had her fingerprints all over the first quarter with nine of the Tiger's fifteen first-quarter points to direct Salem into a 15-14 lead at the end of one.

Pericic continued to lead the Tiger efforts in the second quarter of play both offensively and defensively. The Tiger defense continued to stand tall as they held West Liberty to under fifteen points in the quarter again after a first quarter where they allowed only fourteen points. After the first half, Salem led the Hilltoppers 29-28.

Teodora Popovic got the scoring started for the Tigers in the second half with a step-back three to showcase her skill set. Salem continued to look solid on both ends of the court, but West Liberty refused to roll over and let the Tigers win. Down one at the half West Lib came out firing as well, keeping pace with a Salem team that looked like it was finding its stride. At the end of three Salem led West Lib 44-41.

The fourth quarter of play began with both teams notching up the pressure defensively by not allowing any points for the first two minutes of action. West Liberty tallied the first points of the fourth on an and-one layup by Bailee Smith who missed the free throw but was still able to close the gap for the Hilltoppers at 44-43 Salem's advantage. The Tigers found themselves down two in the closing seconds with the pall in Popvic's hands and she did not disappoint. Popovic drove to the rim and drew contact earning her two free throws to tie the game and send it into OT. Popovic did not disappoint as she proved to have that clutch gene and kept the Tiger's hopes of a win alive.

Unfortunately for Salem, they were running on fumes. The starters for the Tiger squad had played most of the game and were spent by the time OT came about. West Lib went on to outscore Salem 13-7 in the extra period and went home victorious after a tough-fought battle with a final score of 74-68.

The Tigers will be back in action on Tuesday, November 21st as they hit the road to take on the Wheeling Cardinals.

SALEM STAT LEADERS:

Points: Elena Percic (21)

Assists: Teodora Popovic (5)

Rebounds: Elena Pericic (13)

Blocks: Elena Pericic (3)