Vikings Comeback to Defeat Huskies, 76-70

PORTLAND, Maine – Salem State Men's Basketball overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to secure a 76-70 comeback victory over the University of Southern Maine this afternoon, improving their record to 3-7 for the season.

Tyrese Rho (Boston, Mass.) led the Vikings with 22 points and three assists. Omri Merryman (Lynn, Mass.) contributed 17 points, while Nicholas Martinez (Revere, Mass.) added 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in the victory.

For the Huskies, Thomas Whelan (Bronx, N.Y.) led all scorers with 24 points, while Bryce Lausier (Glenburn, Maine) came close to a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in the effort.

How it Happened:

• The Huskies jumped out to a 20-3 lead behind nine points from Lausier to take a 17-point advantage just six minutes into the game.
• The Vikings responded by hitting 14 of their final 22 shots in the half, led by 10 points from Rho, to trim the deficit and make it a one-possession game, 36-31, by halftime.
• The Vikings tied the game with the first basket of the second half, but it wasn't until Nicholas Martinez's jumper at the 11:20 mark that they took their first lead (57-56) since the opening basket.
• The game saw four lead changes before the Vikings took control at the four-minute mark, closing the game on a 10-4 run to secure a 76-70 comeback victory over the Huskies.

Inside the Numbers:

• Nicholas Martinez has notched double figures in his last three outings for the Vikings.
• With their win this afternoon, the Vikings have now defeated the Huskies in their last six matchups.

Up Next:

The Vikings return to Twohig Gymnasium, Thursday, December 12 when they welcome crosstown foe, Endicott College, for a 5p.m. tipoff.