Vikings Cruise Past Chargers, 96-76

THE BASICS

Salem State, 96 vs. Colby-Sawyer, 76

Records:

Salem State University Vikings (3-2)

Colby-Sawyer College Chargers (0-5)

Location: New London, NH - David L. Coffin Fieldhouse

Date: November 22, 2025

THE LEAD

NEW LONDON, N.H. — The Salem State University Men’s Basketball team delivered a dominant performance on the road, establishing a massive first-half lead before cruising to a decisive 96-76 victory over the Colby-Sawyer Chargers on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

The win improves the Vikings' overall record to 3-2 early in the 2025-26 season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Salem State established control early, building on a narrow 3-5 deficit to tie the game at 11-11 following a jump shot by Ali Barry (So.) in the first half. The Vikings then pulled ahead permanently with a strong 16-11 lead capped by a three-pointer from Michael Makiej (Sr.), assisted by Ali Barry (13:25).

The Vikings closed out the first half with exceptional pressure, utilizing crucial scoring bursts, including back-to-back threes from Omri Merryman (Jr.). Merryman’s second three, assisted by Steven Jean-Louis (Jr.), put the Vikings up 46-30. Salem State finished the first 20 minutes leading by a significant margin, 50-32.

The Vikings showed no signs of slowing down in the second half. Wil Martinez (Sr.) opened the scoring with a three-pointer, extending the lead to 53-32. Merryman continued his hot shooting streak, draining two more three-pointers early in the half, pushing the margin to 65-34. The lead reached its peak at 71-40 on Damani Williams' (So.) free throw with 11:41 left in the contest.

Though Colby-Sawyer managed to improve their offense in the second half, scoring 44 points to SSU’s 46, the massive initial deficit was too much to overcome, and the Vikings secured the 96-76 victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

The Vikings demonstrated remarkable depth, with five players reaching double figures in the scoring column.

Jamel Walker (Fy.) led all scorers for the Vikings with 18 points. Walker was clutch from the free-throw line, sinking 14 of 17attempts (82.4%). He also contributed 5 assists and 2 steals.

Omri Merryman had an outstanding all-around game, posting 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, which included four successful 3-pointers. Merryman also chipped in 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.

Raheim Orleans (Fy.) nearly posted a double-double, finishing with 11 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting and hauling in 9 rebounds (4 offensive).

Michael Makiej added 11 points while shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Nelson Obarisiagbon (Jr.) scored 10 points, shooting 4-for-5 from the field.

As a team, Salem State was highly effective at the charity stripe, converting 76.9% of their free throws (30-for-39). The Vikings utilized strong ball movement to compile 17 assists and were disruptive defensively, logging 10 total steals, with Wil Martinez leading the team with 3 steals.

UP NEXT

The Vikings will head to Wenham to take on the Gordon Fightin’ Scots next Tuesday, November 25, paying a visit to Gordon College’s Bennett Center for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.

By Jack Zenger

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25