Engineers Stave Off Vikings Rally, 73-68

THE BASICS

Salem State, 68 vs. MIT, 73

Records:

MIT Engineers (3-1)

Salem State Vikings (2-2)

Location: Salem, MA - Twohig Gymnasium

Date: November 18, 2025

THE LEAD

SALEM, Mass. — The Salem State men's basketball team hosted MIT at Twohig Gymnasium on November 18, 2025, ultimately falling just short, 73-68, despite a fierce second-half rally. Salem State was led by four players reaching double digits in points: Ali Barry scored a team-high 19 points, while Omri Merryman contributed 18 points, sinking four of the Vikings' eight total 3-pointers. Guard Jamel Walker served as the team's primary playmaker with 15 points and a team-high 8 assists, and center Raheim Orleans delivered a dominant double-double performance inside, recording 10 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting night and pulling down a remarkable 17 rebounds. SSU successfully battled back from a 17-point deficit early in the second half (49-32), eventually taking the lead (68-67) with 59 seconds left before MIT secured the win via late free throws.

HOW IT HAPPENED

MIT dominated the first half, primarily due to their success from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, taking a 43-29 lead into halftime. Early in the second half, MIT extended its advantage, reaching a game-high 17-point lead (49-32) following a three-pointer by Jackson Weiland at the 18:43 mark.

However, the Vikings refused to fold, utilizing relentless pressure and timely scoring to ignite a massive comeback, outscoring MIT 39-30 in the second half. The defensive effort saw key steals, including two in the second half by Raheim Orleans (Fy.) and Ali Barry (So.). Omri Merryman (Jr.) began to consistently find the net from long range, sinking key shots as the Vikings cut into the deficit. A layup by Jamel Walker (Fy.) brought the score within two points (61-59) with 4:43 remaining.

The rally culminated when Jamel Walker assisted Ali Barry on a three-pointer at the 1:33 mark, bringing the score to 67-66, the Engineers retained the advantage. Barry then gave the Vikings their first lead since the first minutes of the game with a jump shot with 59 seconds remaining, making the score 67-68. Unfortunately, MIT capitalized on fouls in the final minute, converting 6 consecutive free throws on 3 trips to the line, to seal the narrow 73-68 victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

The Vikings displayed significant defensive intensity, accumulating 11 steals as a team, more than double MIT's 5. Ali Barry led the team with 3 steals.

Raheim Orleans’ 17 total rebounds, including 15 defensive, provided a crucial presence for the Vikings. Orleans accounted for a large portion of Salem State's 21 total defensive rebounds.

The Vikings shot 42.6% from the field during the game, but struggled from the free-throw line, making only 8 of 15 attempts (53.3%). Jamel Walker was effective distributing the ball throughout the contest, racking up 8 assists..

UP NEXT

The Vikings begin a two game away stretch when they visit Colby-Sawyer College and the Hogan Sports Center this Saturday afternoon, November 22, for a 1:30 p.m. tipoff in New Hampshire.

By Jack Zenger

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25