NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio – As the Holiday week is approaching, the Salem Tigers men's basketball team had just a few games left. The Tigers headed to New Philadelphia, Ohio where they would compete in the KSUT Christmas Classic. Salem's first opponent was against Kent State University at Tuscarawas. The Tigers were looking to get a victory to kick off the Christmas Classic and they were able to do just that. Salem ended up winning in an offensive shootout by a score of 97-93.

In the first half, both offenses got off to a quick start as the three pointers were falling. Neither team could get much separation, and the defenses were doing no favors. It would be the Salem Tigers who led at the half. The Tigers head into intermission leading by narrow margin of 44-42.

In the second half, the offenses got off to an identical start as in the first half. Both squads were shooting around 50 percent from the field for most of the play. The Tigers would continue rolling offensively and out score KSUT in the second half by a score of 53-51. Salem would end up securing the victory by a score of 97-93.

In the stats sheet, Daquan Coleman led for the Tigers with a 25-point performance as well as knocking down 7 triples. Kevin Constant had 19 points and Derrick Jones Jr added 16. Tyree Davis and Isaac James both added 10 points each. Salem as a team shot 54 percent from the field and an impressive 45 percent from beyond the arc.

After a much-needed win, the Tigers have one more game to play in the Christmas Classic. That match up is against Bryant and Stratton College of Buffalo.