Fairmont, WV — November 15, 2025 — Salem University's men's basketball team opened their season with a solid 68-55 victory over Bloomsburg at Joe Retton Arena. The game featured intense defense and balanced scoring, with Salem improving to 2-0 on the season.

First Quarter Sets the Tone

Salem jumped out quickly, scoring 32 points in the first half and establishing an early lead. Zahki Fallen led the way offensively for Salem, tallying 25 points on an efficient 8-of-20 shooting, including three three-pointers, and perfect 6-of-6 free throws. His aggressive play on both ends set the tone for the team.

Eman Lawal also made a significant impact, finishing with 20 points, including 8-of-10 free throws, along with 11 rebounds. The balanced scoring attack kept Salem ahead, with their defense holding Bloomsburg to 27 points in the first period.

Defensive Intensity and Key Contributions

Throughout the game, Salem's defense was instrumental. They forced 15 turnovers and scored 17 points off those turnovers, disrupting Bloomsburg's offensive flow. Salem also dominated inside, scoring 22 points in the paint compared to Bloomsburg's 26, but their ability to capitalize on turnovers and fast breaks proved decisive.

Justin Fisher added 12 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field, while Jamari Gamble contributed 7 points and added 2 steals. Off the bench, Vaughn Prosser and Ezekiel Birchett provided valuable minutes.

Second Half Sees Salem Maintain Control

After halftime, Salem continued to press, maintaining their lead despite Bloomsburg's efforts to rally. The Huskies made a few runs, with Naeem Purnell-Northern and Courtney Davis II leading their scoring efforts with 9 and 15 points, respectively. Davis II also contributed 3 assists and 7 rebounds.

However, Salem's disciplined defense held Bloomsburg to just 28 second-half points. The team's efficient free-throw shooting—21-of-26 overall—helped seal the game. Zahki Fallen's clutch free throws in the final minutes put the game out of reach.

Key Stats and Highlights

• Salem shot 40.4% from the field and 27.8% from three-point range.
• Bloomsburg shot 36.5% overall and struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 4 of 21 attempts.
• Salem's bench scored 9 points, while Bloomsburg's bench was more productive with 28 points, but their starters couldn't overcome Salem's balanced attack.
• The largest lead of the game was 13 points, achieved in the closing minutes as Salem finished strong.