First Place Owls Overpower Vikings, 87-65
THE BASICS
Westfield State, 87 vs. Salem State, 65
Records:
Westfield State Owls (13-4, 5-1)
Salem State Vikings (9-8, 2-4)
Location: Salem, Mass. – Twohig Gymnasium
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
THE LEAD - Despite a double digit scoring effort from three different players and a competitive first half, the Salem State men's basketball team dropped an 87-65 decision to a surging Westfield State squad on Saturday afternoon. Tyrese Rho (Sr.) led the Vikings' offense with 16 points, but a late second half scoring drought allowed the Owls to pull away in the conference matchup.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Vikings opened the game with high intensity, as Jamel Walker (Fy.) converted an immediate layup to give Salem State the first lead of the contest. Ali Barry (So.) extended the early momentum by draining two shots from beyond the arc, helping the Vikings maintain a 10-10 tie midway through the frame. The two teams traded buckets for much of the half, with Michael Makiej (Sr.) providing a spark off the bench with back to back layups to knot the score at 19-19. However, a late push by the Owls in the final minute sent the Vikings into the locker room trailing 40-34.
Salem State came out of the break determined to close the gap. Anthony D'Itria (Jr.) and Walker combined for quick scores to cut the deficit to just six points early in the second half. The Vikings stayed within striking distance midway through the period when Wil Martinez (Sr.) and Makiej each connected from long range, bringing the score to 58-53 with under ten minutes remaining.
The Owls responded with a decisive 13-0 run to push the lead to twenty. Rho attempted to ignite a late rally with consecutive three pointers, but the Vikings were unable to overcome the Owls' efficient 53.1% shooting from the floor as the clock wound down.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Tyrese Rho was the high point man for the Vikings, finishing with 16 points on 6 of 10 shooting, including a perfect 2 for 2 from three point range. Michael Makiej followed with 13 points in just 14 minutes of action, while Jamel Walker contributed 11 points and three rebounds.
Raheim Orleans (Fy.) and Ali Barry anchored the defensive effort, each hauling in five rebounds and recording a block. Orleans also added six points and a steal to his stat line.
The Vikings were once again clinical at the charity stripe, finishing the afternoon shooting 80.0% (8 of 10). Salem State also outrebounded the Owls 37-32, including 15 offensive boards that led to second chance opportunities.
UP NEXT
The Vikings finish up their homestand as they host the MCLA Trailblazers this Wednesday, January 28, for a 7 p.m. tipoff, folllowing the conlusion of the Women's Basketball contesst prior!
By Jack Zenger '25
Photo Credit: Haleigh Arsenault '28