Salem State Outworks Rivier, 71-64

THE BASICS

Salem State, 71 vs. Rivier, 64

Records:

Salem State University Vikings (6-2)

Rivier University Raiders (4-5)

Location: Nashua, NH - Muldoon Center

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 - 6:00 pm

THE LEAD— The Salem State men's basketball team battled back from a six-point halftime deficit, overwhelming the host Rivier Raiders with 48 points in the second half to earn a tough 71-64 victory at the Muldoon Center. The impressive road performance pushes the Vikings' season record to 6-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Vikings initiated the scoring, taking an early 3-0 lead following a Jamel Walker (Fy.) layup and free throw. However, Rivier quickly answered, eventually pulling ahead on a Jamari Williams dunk to make it 5-3. The first half proved to be a defensive battle, with scoring runs keeping the game tight. Ali Barry (So.) hit a three-pointer to knot the score at 10-12, and Walker later tied it up 12-12 with a layup midway through the half. Rivier maintained control late in the frame, closing out with layups from Robenson Baguidy and entering the locker room with a 29-23 advantage.

In the second half, the Vikings asserted their dominance, outscoring the Raiders 48-35. Rivier momentarily extended the lead to 31-23 on a Jamari Williams dunk. Salem State responded immediately, as Omri Merryman (Jr.) and Jamel Walker quickly scored layups to cut the deficit to 31-27. After Rivier briefly extended its lead to 39-33, the Vikings fought back, tying the game at 39-39 on two successful free throws from Raheim Orleans (Fy.). Orleans then gave Salem State the lead for the first time in the half (40-39) with a layup assisted by Walker.

The Vikings cemented their control following a Rivier timeout (8:47). Damani Williams (So.), entering off the bench, hit back to back three pointers, suddenly pushing the Vikings’ lead to 50-41. While Rivier cut the lead late, Salem State was efficient down the stretch. Omri Merryman hit a clutch three-pointer at the 4:29 mark, assisted by Wil Martinez (Sr.), making the score 55-56. Ali Barry then provided the final decisive scoring punch, hitting two three-pointers in the final three minutes (60-56 and 67-56) to seal the road victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Salem State’s strong second half was powered by standout performances from the starting guards. Ali Barry led all Vikings scorers with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting, including 3-for-6 from deep. Barry also contributed 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.

Omri Merryman finished with 16 points (5-14 FGM-A, 4-5 FTM-A) and pulled down 7 rebounds. Jamel Walker was highly efficient, scoring 13 points on 6-for-9 shooting while recording a team-high 3 steals.

Off the bench, Damani Williams provided a critical spark, sinking both of his three-point attempts for 6 points, all scored during the pivotal second-half run.

Raheim Orleans anchored the defensive effort by grabbing a team-high 8 rebounds. As a team, Salem State shot 44.3% from the floor (27-61).

The Raiders were led by Izaiah Shaw-Glen, who posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

UP NEXT

Salem State opens up a two game home stretch when it hosts Curry College this coming Monday, December 8, for an early evening 6 p.m. tipoff.

By Jack Zenger

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25