Vikings Victorious Against AMCATS after Overtime, 86-81

THE BASICS

Salem State, 86 vs. Anna Maria, 81 (OT)

Records: 

Salem State Vikings (11-8, 4-4)

Anna Maria College AMCATS (5-13, 2-6)

Location: Paxton, Mass. – Fuller Activities Center

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

THE LEAD - Behind a solid offensive effort and a clutch buzzer-beating layup from Nicholas Martinez (Jr.) to force overtime, the Salem State men's basketball team secured a gritty 86-81 victory over Anna Maria College on Saturday night. The Vikings overcame a late second half surge by the AMCATS, dominated the extra frame, and saw Raheim Orleans (Fy.) anchor the middle with a double double performance.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Vikings dictated the pace early in the first half, jumping out to a commanding 24-9 lead midway through the frame. Ali Barry (So.) ignited the offense with two early three pointers, while Nicholas Martinez provided a spark off the bench with a triple and several transition layups. Salem State's defense held firm for much of the period, allowing the Vikings to head into the locker room with a 41-31 advantage.

The second half proved to be a battle of momentum. Anna Maria slowly chipped away at the lead, eventually tying the game at 59-59 with just over five minutes remaining. The AMCATS took a late three point lead in the final minute, but the Vikings refused to fold. Following a defensive stop and a timeout, Nic Martinez connected on a buzzer beating layup as time expired to knot the score at 69-69 and force overtime.

In the overtime period, Salem State regained control immediately. Ali Barry drained a critical three pointer to give the Vikings a lead they would not relinquish. Raheim Orleans and Tyrese Rho (Sr.) combined for eight points in the paint during the extra five minutes, and the Vikings sealed the victory at the free throw line with clutch makes from Orleans and Barry to preserve the five point win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Ali Barry led the Vikings with 22 points, five rebounds, and three assists, shooting 5 of 12 from beyond the arc. Raheim Orleans delivered a massive double double, finishing with 12 points and a team high 12 rebounds while logging all 40 minutes.

Tyrese Rho contributed 17 points and three steals, providing high energy on both ends of the floor. Jamel Walker (Fy.) orchestrated the offense with a team high eight assists to go along with 14 points and five boards. Nicholas Martinez was the X factor off the bench, scoring 13 points on 6 of 10 shooting, including the game tying bucket.

The Vikings shot 43.5% from the field and connected on 10 three pointers. Defensively, Salem State recorded 12 steals and four blocks, forcing the AMCATS into 18 turnovers to compensate for a tough night on the glass where Anna Maria held a 55-42 rebounding edge.

UP NEXT

The Vikings return to their home court to host Bridgewater State Bears on Wednesday, February 4, tipping off 7 p.m. following the conclusion of the Women's contest beforehand.

By Jack Zenger '25

Photo Credit: Haleigh Arsenault '28