2/4/2010 9:25:53 PM
Salem, MA -- Senior Danielle Jenkins (Marlborough, MA) scored a game-high 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds as the Salem State Lady Vikings surged to a 19 point halftime lead en route to a 71-59 victory against the Eastern Connecticut State Warriors in a non-conference game Thursday evening.
Salem State improved to 14-6 on the year, while Eastern Connecticut dropped to 14-6.
Jenkins, who scored nine points in the opening half, led a balanced scoring attack as Salem State placed six players in double figures.
Salem State jumped out to an early 16-5 lead highlighted by a 10-0 run that was snapped with a basket by Amanda Pierlioni (Plainville, CT) at the 8:35 mark. The Lady Vikings surged again as Jenkins scored seven straight points to push the lead to 14, at 25-11. Whitney Wilson (Lowell, MA), who finished with 11 points and seven rebounds scored back-to-back baskets and Jakoya Wilkins (Dorchester, MA) - 11 points and nine assists - gave Salem State it largest lead with a breakaway layup that made the score 33-12 at the half.
The Lady Vikings shot 48% from the field (15-31) in the opening period while limiting the Warrioirs to just three field goals on 3-of-28 shooting.
Lauren Kelleher (Dartmouth, MA) and Brittany Whiteley (Windsor Locks, CT) opened the second half with consecutive three pointers to give Eastern Connecticut some life. However, Amy Barry (Manchester, NH) answered with her own three and added another one as the Lady Vikings built a 24-point second half cushion. Barry, who had 12 points, knocked in her fourth three-pointer to give Salem State a comfortable 54-31 lead with 11:00 minutes remaining. The Warriors led by Tanisha Carter (East Hartford, CT), 12 second half points, closed the deficit to 12, but it was too late as the Lady Vikings cruised to a 71-59 victory.
Erica Batchelder (Stoughton, MA), 10 points and Brianna Wilson (Lowell, MA), 10 points and 10 rebounds were the other players in double figures for Salem State, which has won four straight games.
Kelleher finished with 10 points and seven boards for Eastern Connecticut, which finished the game shooting just 32.4% while also committing 12 turnovers.