Vikings Best Bears in Thrilling Conference Victory, 79-78

THE BASICS

Bridgewater State, 78 vs. Salem State, 79

Records:

Bridgewater State Bears (6-14, 4-5 MASCAC)

Salem State Vikings (12-8, 5-4 MASCAC)

Location: Salem, Mass. - Towhig Gynmasium

Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - 7:30 PM

THE LEAD - In a game that featured 40 minutes of nonstop drama and a frantic final sequence, the Salem State men's basketball team secured a thrilling 79-78 victory over the Bridgewater State Bears on Wednesday night. Tyrese Rho (Sr.) proved to be the difference maker in the closing seconds, sinking two clutch free throws to give the Vikings the lead, while Ali Barry (So.) and Raheim Orleans (Fy.) combined for 44 points to power the offense.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Vikings ignited the home crowd early with a high energy 8-2 opening run, fueled by three quick layups from Raheim Orleans and a steal and score by Tyrese Rho. Salem State extended their advantage to 16-7 after Nicholas Martinez (Jr.) and Ali Barry connected from long range, but the Bears clawed back to knot the score at 42-42 heading into the locker room.

The second half was a heavyweight battle with neither side able to pull away. The Vikings appeared to seize momentum midway through the frame when Rho drained a three pointer and a layup on consecutive possessions to push the lead to 53-48. However, the Bears responded with a flurry of scores to briefly take a one point lead with under eight minutes remaining. Nicholas Martinez and Barry answered back with crucial buckets in the paint to keep the Vikings out in front as the clock ticked down.

The final two minutes were pure chaos. With the game tied at 77-77, Rho drew a foul and calmly knocked down two free throws with just 17 seconds remaining to put Salem State up 79-77. On the ensuing possession, the Bears made one free throw but missed the second. Despite Bridgewater State hauling in two offensive rebounds in the final seven seconds, the Vikings' defense held firm as two last second layup attempts missed the mark, allowing Salem State to escape with the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Ali Barry led the Vikings' scoring effort with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Raheim Orleans was nearly perfect from the floor, shooting 9 of 10 for 21 points and seven boards.

Tyrese Rho put together a career stat line, finishing with 17 points, nine steals, and eight assists. His defensive pressure was the catalyst for the Vikings all night, as he accounted for over half of the team's 17 total steals. Nicholas Martinez provided a massive spark off the bench, contributing 15 points on 6 of 10 shooting.

The Vikings utilized their speed to overcome a height disadvantage, forcing 25 turnovers and turning them into transition opportunities. While the Bears held a 43-34 rebounding edge, Salem State's efficiency in the paint and at the charity stripe proved to be the deciding factor.

UP NEXT

The Vikings head to Framingham for a fierce conference rematch against the Rams Saturday, February 4, at 2 p.m.

By Jack Zenger '25

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25