SALEM, West Virginia - To lead off a 2 game homestand for the Salem Men's Basketball team, the Tigers played host to the Bobcats of West Virginia Wesleyan. The Bobcats made the short trip up from the the second interaction of the rivalry game during the 2023-2024 season with Salem besting the Bobcats on the road early in the season 80-72. In this edition of the matchup, it was another tightly contested back and forth ballgame. However, the Tiger prevailed again with a late rally to seal an 86-82 victory.
In the first half, Salem started off red hot with KApone Barley dropping in the opening 10 points for the Tigers in the first 5 minutes. However, the Bobcats quickly showed the Tigers they were in for a fight. Wesleyan battled back, and took a 2 point lead late in the first. However, Salem kept their noses down and pushed their way back level quickly. With some key free throws from Ian Hardy and Ashraf Tchdouwa, Salem headed into the locker room with a tight 43-41 ballgame on their hands.
To open the second, Jack Garrison IV was inspired by Barley's first half opener and opened the 2nd half with 8 straight points for the Tigers. Primed by the Garrison run, Salem kicked the offense into high gear and the lead ballooned to as much as 13 points. However, West Virginia Wesleyan was determined to play the home court spoiler and uncorked a big rally of their own. They took momentum back, and Salem trailed by 5 points with about 6 minutes left to go. With the game on the line, the Tigers dug deep and found one last haymaker of their own. Salem took back the lead with a pair of Ian Hardy 3 pointers. With control of the game again in the waning seconds, Salem was able to rely on their free throw shooting late to pull out the dramatic 86-82 victory over the Bobcats.
From the scorebook, Salem was led offensively by Jack Garrison IV who dropped a career high tying 25 points. Behind him was Kapone Barley who added to his hot run of late with 19 points.. The final Tiger in double figures was Ashraf Tchadouwa, who added 15 points and 11 rebounds for his 8th double double of the season.
Salem gets another big rivalry game matchup in the 2nd leg of this homestand. The Pioneers of Glenville State come up to Salem on Wednesday, February 7th at 7:30 PM. Salem goes into that contest at 1-1 against the Pioneers this season. Salem defeated Glenville State on a neutral court in the second game of the season back on November 11th, but the Pioneers tamed the Tigers in the road matchup in Glenville back on December 2nd.
