DUNBAR, WV – The Salem University Tigers (7-16) delivered a high-octane offensive performance on Saturday afternoon against West Virginia State at the Walker Convocation Center. Despite a powerful 58-point second half, the Tigers were narrowly edged out in a 112-109 thriller.
Salem Individual Highlights
The Tigers' offense featured several standout individual efforts, with four players reaching double digits in scoring:
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Zahki Fallen led the team in scoring with 28 points off the bench, including a remarkable 7-of-12 performance from beyond the arc.
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Xavier Price dominated the interior, recording a massive double-double with 24 points and a team-high 16 rebounds. Price was also a defensive force, tallying six blocks and a steal.
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Eman Lawal contributed 23 points on efficient 9-of-12 shooting from the floor, while adding four rebounds and two blocks.
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Jamari Gamble secured a double-double of his own, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
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Justin Fisher was perfect from the charity stripe, going 4-for-4 and finishing with eight points.
Inside the Numbers for the Tigers
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Team Shooting: Salem shot an impressive 53.2% from the field (41-of-77) for the game, including a 43.5% mark from three-point range.
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Bench Strength: The Tigers' depth was a major factor, with the bench providing 54 total points.
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Paint Dominance: Salem utilized its size effectively to outscore West Virginia State 60-40 in the paint.
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Fast Break Success: The Tigers consistently pushed the tempo, recording 28 fast-break points.
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Second-Chance Opportunities: Fighting on the glass, Salem collected 17 offensive rebounds, leading to 14 second-chance points.
Attendance: 318 Location: Walker Convocation Center, Dunbar, WV
