In a thrilling high-scoring affair at the T. Edward Davis Gymnasium, the Salem Tigers (8-16) secured a 97-94 victory over Frostburg State (12-13) on February 18, 2026.

High-Octane Performance

Salem established an early lead, heading into the locker room with a 56-46 advantage at halftime. The Tigers' offensive efficiency was on full display in the first half, where they shot 51.3% from the floor. Although Frostburg State mounted a second-half surge, outscoring Salem 48-41 in the final period, the Tigers held on to secure the three-point win.

Key Player Highlights

Several Tigers delivered standout performances to lead the team to victory:

• Zahki Fallen: Led all scorers with a dominant 38 points, playing the full 40 minutes. He was lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 7-of-12 three-point attempts.

• Eman Lawal: Contributed a powerful 26 points and 9 rebounds.

• Xavier Price: Recorded a massive double-double with 23 points and a game-high 22 rebounds, including 14 offensive boards that fueled Salem's second-chance opportunities.

Stat of the Game

Salem's dominance on the glass proved to be the difference-maker. The Tigers outrebounded the Bobcats 58-38. This rebounding advantage led to 23 second-chance points for Salem, compared to just 10 for Frostburg State. Additionally, Salem capitalized on transition opportunities, outscoring the Bobcats 21-8 in fast-break points.

Turning Point

Late in the first half, Zahki Fallen hit a crucial three-pointer with 53 seconds remaining to extend Salem's lead to 52-44. Eman Lawal capped off the half with a tip-in at the buzzer, giving the Tigers a 10-point cushion heading into the break.

The Tigers will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their 2026 campaign.