Cougars Conquer Vikings in OT, 67-64

THE BASICS

Clark University, 67 vs. Salem State, 64

Records:

Clark University Cougars (6-0)

Salem State University Vikings (2-2)

Location: Salem, Mass - Twohig Gymnasium

Date: November 22, 2025

THE LEAD

SALEM, Mass. — The Salem State University Women’s Basketball team battled fiercely, forcing an overtime period against the visiting Clark University Cougars, but ultimately fell in a tight 67-64 contest at Twohig Gymnasium on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The game was a defensive struggle early on, with the Vikings trailing 11-8 after the first quarter. However, Salem State rallied in the second frame, outscoring the Cougars 14-9 to take a narrow 22-20 lead heading into halftime.

The third quarter turned up the intensity, with both teams exchanging baskets. The Vikings managed 19 points in the period, highlighted by Ernidia Goncalves’ (Sr.) continued strong performance, but Clark countered with 21 points of its own, tying the score at 41-41 entering the final regulation quarter.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair featuring multiple lead changes. Guard Yami Guerrero (Fy.) drained a three-pointer early in the quarter to push the Vikings ahead 44-41 (9:47). Salem State maintained control through the midpoint of the quarter, leading 50-44 following two successful free throws from Goncalves (6:11). However, Clark managed to claw back, tying the game late at 55-55 with six seconds remaining, forcing overtime.

In the overtime period, the Vikings momentarily pulled ahead, leading 64-61 after Goncalves converted a layup (1:59). However, Clark used crucial free throws in the final minute (0:36, 0:17) to edge out the Vikings, securing the 67-64 victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

The Vikings’ effort was spearheaded by a career performance from forward Ernidia Goncalves. Goncalves played 42 minutes, posting a massive double-double with 27 points and 17 rebounds. She was highly efficient, shooting 9-of-19 from the field and 8-of-10 from the free-throw line. She also provided lockdown defense, leading the team with 7 steals and 3 blocks.

Salem State also saw solid contributions from Kylie Schrock (Jr.), who added 12 points. Maria Orfanos (Sr.) finished with 6 points and pulled down 9 rebounds, while Sunali Carter (So.) had 6 points and 7 rebounds.

As a team, the Vikings dominated the glass, outrebounding the Cougars significantly, 61 to 50. SSU logged 20 offensive rebounds in the contest.

Despite the dominant rebounding effort, turnovers proved costly for the Vikings, who committed 40 turnovers compared to Clark's 29. Clark capitalized on SSU errors, generating 27 total steals in the contest.

The Vikings struggled from deep, converting just 2 of 16 three-point attempts (12.5%).

UP NEXT

The Vikings will head to Wenham to take on the Gordon Fightin’ Scots next Tuesday, November 25, paying a visit to Gordon College’s Bennett Center for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff

By Jack Zenger

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25