Lancers' Lightening Start Shocks Vikings, 90-75
THE BASICS
Worcester State, 90 vs. Salem State, 75
Records:
Worcester St. Lancers (6-10, 4-1)
Salem State Vikings (9-7, 2-3)
Location: Salem, Mass. – Twohig Gymnasium
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
THE LEAD - Despite a double-double from Raheim Orleans (Fy.) and a resilient second half performance, the Salem State men's basketball team fell 90-75 to the Worcester State Lancers at homr. A difficult first half left the Vikings in a 16 point hole that they were unable to climb out of, despite outscoring the visitors 49-48 over the final twenty minutes.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Vikings struggled to find their offensive footing early, falling behind 6-0 in the opening minutes. Tyrese Rho (Sr.) got Salem State on the board with a layup at the 16:43 mark, but the Lancers’ high tempo offense quickly pushed the lead into double digits. The Vikings received a lift from the bench mid half as Nelson Obarisiagbon (Jr.) and Nicholas Martinez (Jr.) converted layups to chip away at the deficit. Late in the frame, Raheim Orleans capitalized on second chance opportunities with back to back offensive rebounds and free throws, but the Vikings headed into the locker room trailing 42-26.
Salem State came out of the break with renewed energy. Omri Merryman (Jr.) sparked the offense with a quick jump shot, followed by a Wil Martinez (Sr.) three pointer that cut the lead to 11. Rho and Orleans continued to dominate the paint, combining for a series of layups that kept the Vikings within striking distance midway through the half. However, every Vikings' surge was met by a response from the Lancers, who maintained a steady double digit advantage. In the closing minutes, Ali Barry (So.) and Anthony D'Itria (Jr.) converted late buckets, and Michael Makiej (Sr.) added four points in the paint, but the early deficit proved insurmountable.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Raheim Orleans was a force on the glass, recording a double-double with 15 points and a game high 14 rebounds, including six on the offensive end. Tyrese Rho followed closely with 14 points and three rebounds.
Jamel Walker (Fy.) added 10 points and seven rebounds, while Ali Barry and Omri Merryman contributed eight points apiece. The Vikings were efficient at the free throw line, shooting 73.1% (19 of 26), but were hindered by a tough night from beyond the arc, shooting just 11.8% from three point range.
Salem State held the advantage on the boards, out rebounding the Lancers 41-35, and recorded 18 offensive rebounds which led to critical second chance points.
UP NEXT
The Vikings welcome the Westfield State Owls this Saturday, Janaury 24, tipping off at 2 p.m.
By Jack Zenger '25
Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25