Salem State Falls to Conference Rival, 74-55

THE BASICS

Framingham St., 74 vs. Salem State, 55

Records: 

Framingham St. (9-5, 2-1) 

Salem State Vikings (9-5, 2-1)

Location: Salem, Mass. – Twohig Gymnasium

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

THE LEAD - The Salem State men’s basketball team struggled to find its rhythm on Thursday night, falling 74-55 to the Framingham State Rams in a game defined by cold shooting. Despite a brief early lead, the Vikings were outpaced throughout the contest, trailing by double digits for nearly the entire second half.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Salem State started with high energy, taking an early 8-2 lead behind three-pointers from Ali Barry (So.) and Jamel Walker (Fy.). The momentum was short-lived, however, as the Rams responded with a heavy offensive push to take a 38-25 lead into the locker room.

The second half proved even more difficult for the Vikings. The deficit quickly ballooned to 23 points as Salem State's shots failed to fall. Tyrese Rho (Sr.) and Omri Merryman (Jr.) provided late highlights, including an explosive dunk by Merryman, but the Vikings were never able to mount a serious threat to the Rams' commanding lead.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Tyrese Rho provided a silver lining for the Vikings, recording a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds while adding a block. Jamel Walker followed with 11 points, and Ali Barry chipped in 10 points and six boards.

The Vikings’ offensive struggles were evident in their shooting percentages, as they hit only 7-of-30 (23.3%) from beyond the arc and finished with just six total assists as a team. Defensively, Salem State grabbed 35 rebounds and recorded five steals, but it wasn't enough to stop the Rams' efficient scoring.

UP NEXT

The Vikings head west to conitnue their conference meetings as they face Fitchburg State this Saturday, January 17, at 2 p.m.

By Jack Zenger '25

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25