SALEM, W.Va. — Salem University women's basketball mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback but came up just two points shy on Thursday evening, falling 59–57 to West Virginia Tech inside T. Edward Davis Gymnasium.

After struggling offensively through the first three quarters, the Tigers erupted for 25 fourth-quarter points—more than their total from the first half—to nearly erase a 19-point deficit.

Nakayla Green led the Tigers with 13 points, including three three-pointers and a late fast-break layup that pulled Salem within 59–57 with two seconds remaining. Batoul Khaleefah delivered a huge spark off the bench, scoring 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting and drilling three shots from beyond the arc.

Taja Brown anchored the interior with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Akhia Miller added a strong two-way performance with 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a clutch fourth-quarter three that fueled Salem's push.

Aleeya Silver chipped in 5 points and three rebounds, and Kori Pillette added 5 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist.

Salem shot 16-for-18 (88.9%) from the free-throw line and outscored WVU Tech 25–15 in the final period. The Tigers also forced 21 turnovers and scored 18 points off takeaways, transforming defensive pressure into transition opportunities.

West Virginia Tech was led by Cadence Stewart's 21 points and Alexis Sexton's 19.

The Tigers are back in action after the holiday break when they take on Cincinnati-Clermont in Batavia, Ohio on December 1st at 6 PM.