SALEM, West Virginia- Coming off a Saturday loss to Point Park, the Salem Tigers men's basketball team was back in action on Wednesday night. Salem looked to close out the three game home stand strong as their opponent was the West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats. Unfortunately, Wesleyan would grab an early lead and would be able to secure the 81-73 victory over the Tigers.

In the first half, the Bobcats grabbed a quick 7-2 lead in the opening minutes. Daquan Coleman would score a couple baskets to cut the deficit. Wesleyan held a 14-11 lead with just under 15 minutes remaining. The Bobcats were able to go on a run across the midway point of the first and extend their lead to 10. Wesleyan led 29-19 with 7 minutes left until intermission. Jack Garrison IV hit a big triple with a minute left to cut the deficit to 5. However, Wesleyan would end up hitting another bucket before half and go into intermission up 38-31.

In the second half, the Bobcats got off to another quick start with a 10-5 run to open the half. The Bobcats were able to maintain a steady double-digit lead throughout the first 10 minutes of the second half. At this point, Salem needed to start cutting the deficit if they wanted a shot to take this one. Fortunately, the Tigers were able to do just that as Aundre Bills knocked down a three and Kapone Barley hit a few free throws at the 9-minute mark. Wesleyan now just held a 61-56 lead with 8 minutes left. However, the Bobcats were able to build their lead back over the next few minutes. Wesleyan would close the game out strong and secure the 81-73 victory over Salem.

On the stats sheet, the Tigers had four in double figures with Jack Garrison IV leading the way with 18 points. Daquan Coleman with 14 points on 3/5 from beyond the arc. Kevin Constant added 11 points and Kapone Barley with 10 to round out the Tigers in double figures. 

Despite the loss, the Tigers will look to regroup and prepare as they head back on the road for the first time in 2 weeks. The Tigers next match up is on Saturday February 1^st against the Davis & Elkins at 4 pm.