SALEM, WV - Tonight the Tigers (1-5) played host to the Mountain Lions (3-2) from Concord University as Salem tried to get back in the win column after dropping their last two matchups. This was Salem's first game in over a week after some time off for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Both teams came out cold to start the first quarter which was to be expected after so much time between games. Salem was able to grab the early advantage with a combined effort from the starting lineup. With three minutes left to play in the opening period Salem had opened up a six-point lead at 14-8. The Mountain Lions ended the quarter on a 9-4 run which cut the Tiger lead down to one at the break.

Carine Pinkney got the scoring started early in the second quarter for Salem, scoring five in the opening minute for the Tigers. However, Concord refused to go away. It seemed like for every bucket the Tigers got, the Mountain Lions had an answer. While Salem was able to stay at arms distance from their opponent they could not close the door on them and grow their lead. The Tigers ended the half on a 6-0 run to grow their lead to seven at the half with a score of 34-27.

At the start of the second half, it was clear the Mountain Lions had changed up the playbook at halftime. They came out in a press that gave the Tigers trouble for the remainder of the game. To make matters worse Salem's offense had gone cold after a solid first half. Concord was led by Nakaila Gray in the third who was giving the Tigers trouble both in the paint and from range. At the end of three Salem found themselves down 56-48.

The fourth quarter seemed like deja vu from the second. Both teams played evenly and did not allow either to grow or shrink the deficit. The Tigers made a late run at a comeback, but it was too little too late for the Tigers as they fell on their home court 75-67 dropping their record to (1-6) on the year.

The Tigers will hit the road for their next matchup this Saturday as they travel to Glenville, WV to take on the Pioneers (5-2) of Glenville State.

SALEM STAT LEADERS:

Points: Carine Pinkney (15)

Assists: Carine Pinkney, Teodora Popovic (5)

Rebounds: Elena Pericic (11)

Blocks: Elena Pericic, Anna Machytkova, Anete Bluma, Cassandra Smith (1)