RIE, Pennsylvania - The Salem men's basketball team had one of their longer road trips this evening as they left the Mountain State for the first time this season. They headed up to Erie, Pennsylvania to take on the Gannon Golden Knights. Salem had their work cut out for them taking on the nationally ranked Gannon program. Unfortunately, it would be the Golden Knights who ended up on top 104 to 56. 

In the first half, Salem kept things close early on as Ian Hardy opened up the scoring for the Tigers. However, the Golden Knights kept up a blistering offensive pace that the Tigers battled to stick with throughout the contest. Despite trailing early, Salem kept the pressure on Gannon with Ashraf Tchadouwa controlling the paint, as he had most of the season for the Tigers. Even with the improved interior play, Salem trailed at the half 52-28. 

In the second half, unfortunately, it was more of the same for the Tigers. Gannon kept up their high energy offensive attack, and Salem battled to keep up. Down the stretch, Salem got some solid minutes from Brandon Francois, who ended up leading the Tigers in scoring. Ultimately, Salem fell to the Golden Knights by a final score of 104-56. 

In the scorebook for Salem, they were led by the aforementioned Brandon Francois with 13 points. Just behind him was Ian Hardy and Ashraf Tchadouwa with 11 points apiece. Tchadouwa earned his 6th double double of the season as well with 17 rebounds. Kapone Barley wrapped up the Tigers in double figures with 10 points.

Salem will be looking to get back on track when they head back home for their final contest before the holiday break. They are set to take on Ohio Dominican at home in T. Edward Davis Gymnasium on Tuesday, December 19th at 3 PM.