Salem's Second Half Surge Notches Win Over Curry, 100-92
THE BASICS
Salem State, 100 vs. Curry College, 92
Records:
Curry College Colonels (3-7)
Salem State University Vikings (7-2)
Location: Twohig Gymnasium - Salem, Mass.
Date: Monday, December 8, 2025 - 6:00 PM
THE LEAD— The Salem State men's basketball team put on an offensive clinic, reaching the century mark for a 100-92 victory over the Curry Colonels at Twohig Gymnasium. The Vikings battled back from a three-point halftime deficit (48-51) by exploding for 52 points in the second half, pushing their season record to 7-2.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The contest began with Curry taking an early advantage, opening the game with a three-pointer from JD Heneke. Curry built a quick lead, reaching 14-7 after successful free throws from Isaiah Andino. However, the Vikings stayed within striking distance thanks to aggressive play, with Raheim Orleans (Fy.) scoring layups, and Omri Merryman (Jr.) hitting an early three-pointer. Halfway through the first, Michael Makiej (Sr.) provided a spark off the bench, scoring two layups and a three-pointer assisted by Juan Beltres Diaz (So.), cutting the lead to 24-17. Merryman hit another three-pointer, assisted by Ali Barry (So.), to make it 26-21. Curry stretched the lead to 40-33 with 4:33 left, but the Vikings closed the half strong, utilizing layups from Barry and Stephen Jean-Louis (Jr.) to narrow the gap. Curry's Andino made a layup near the end of the half to make it 51-44, but Barry quickly responded with a jumper, then a layup assisted by Diaz shortly before the buzzer to send the teams into the half with Curry leading 51-48.
The Vikings dominated the second half, scoring 52 points to seize control of the game. Salem State quickly erased the deficit, with Orleans and Jamel Walker (Fy.) scoring back-to-back layups to take the lead at 51-52. After Curry momentarily tied the score at 56-56, Barry hit a crucial three-pointer assisted by Walker, giving the Vikings a 58-59 advantage they would not relinquish. Walker followed up with two successful free throws to make it 61-58. Curry briefly retook the lead, 67-65, after a three-pointer from Manny Hidalgo. The Vikings immediately responded by tying it up 71-71 on a jump shot by Makiej. Walker put the Vikings ahead for good with a layup, assisted by Barry (75-73).
Salem State maintained the pressure, with Makiej making a layup assisted by Walker to put the Vikings up 81-78. Merryman then hit a key three-pointer, assisted by Walker, extending the lead to 84-78 with 6:09 left. The Vikings closed out the game by drawing fouls and performing well at the free-throw line in the final minutes.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The Vikings were led by stellar performances from Ali Barry and Jamel Walker. Barry finished with a game-high 27 points and led the team with five steals. Barry was highly effective at the free-throw line, sinking 7 of 8 attempts. Walker tallied 23 points, going 8-for-12 from the field, adding seven free throws on eight attempts, and contributed a team-high five assists and three steals.
Off the bench, Michael Makiej provided a huge boost, posting a double-double with 16 points (7-11 FGM-A) and a game-high 11 rebounds, seven of which were offensive. Omri Merryman contributed 15 points, shooting 3-for-6 from three-point range.
As a team, Salem State outrebounded Curry 43-29, including a 20-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Salem State finished with 100 points on 51.4% shooting from the field (38-74).
Curry's efforts were led by Nethaniel Clemente, who had 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Colonels shot 57.8% from the field but committed 14 turnovers.
UP NEXT
The Vikings host the Wesleyan Cardinals in their final home game of 2025 on Thursday, December 11 at 5 p.m.
By Jack Zenger
Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25