FITCHBURG, MA: Fitchburg State men's basketball fell to the Vikings of Salem State in MASCAC action this afternoon by a score of 87-59.

THE BASICS:

- Date: 1/25/25

- Score: Salem 87, Fitchburg 59

- Records: Salem (7-11, 4-1 MASCAC), Fitchburg (4-14, 1-4 MASCAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

-  The first half saw the Vikings explode out in front behind an impressive shooting percentage by the team. Going 19-31 (61.3%) from the floor and 10-12 (83.3%) from three-point territory. The Falcons couldn't match Salem's production, as they made 9-33 (27.3%) from the floor and were 0-6 (0%) from behind the arc.

- The second half saw a much more even game, with the Falcons outscoring the Vikings 38-37 as the visiting teams shooting percentages came back down to earth. Joshua Jean Charles (Dorchester, MA) led the way in the second half for the Falcons with 11 points and four rebounds.

- The top performers for the Vikings were Nicholas Martinez and Tyrese Rho, who both had 16 points. Jarnel Snow finished just behind them with 15 points. Omri Merryman also contributed a solid 14 points and seven rebounds. Liam Byrne topped all this afternoon on the boards with 16 rebounds.

- The Falcons offense was paced by Jean Charles with 11 points, along with Nathaniel Semedo (Bridgewater, MA), who had 11 points and three rebounds. Jalen Jackson (San Antonio, TX) had a team-high of five rebounds to go with five points.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

-  Shooting: Salem 50%, Fitchburg 33.3%

-  3PT: Salem 48%, Fitchburg 21.4%

-  Free throw: Salem 87.5%, Fitchburg 75%

UP NEXT:

- Fitchburg State men's basketball will return to action Wednesday when they travel to Framingham State for more MASCAC competition at 5:30 PM.

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