Vikings Crusade Past Bison in Comeback Win, 58-55

THE BASICS

Salem State, 58  vs. Nichols College, 55

Records: 

Nichols College Bison (5-3)

Salem State University Vikings (4-2)

Location: Salem, Mass. – Twohig Gymnasium 

Date: December 4, 2025

THE LEAD

SALEM, MASS. – Salem State University women’s basketball team overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat the Nichols College Bison at home on Thursday night with a final score of 58-55. The Vikings combined for a 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Nichols College Bison went on a 5-0 run to start the first, but the Vikings fought back to gain their first lead of the game with a score of 13-12 with 1:20 left in the period. Schrock led the Vikings with 5pts in the first, the Vikings ending the period up by two points. 

Salem State opened the scoring in the second period, extending their lead to five points. Nichols was quick to come back and reclaim their lead with a score of 18-17 just 2:05 into the period, then went on an 18-point run to extend their lead to 30-17. The Vikings slowly chipped away at the lead, but the Bison maintained, ending the period leading 35-28. 

The third period saw some back-and-forth scoring between the Vikings and Bison. Bison maintained their lead for most of the period, but the Vikings slowly chipped away at it making it just a one-point deficit 3:17 into the period. The Vikings went on a 9-0 run to gain their second lead of the game. The game-tying shot was a layup from Maria Orfanos (Sr.), then the lead was secured on a layup from Yamilette Guerrero (Fy.). The period ended with the Vikings leading, 47-45. 

Vikings struck first in the fourth, props to two free throws from Kylie Schrock (Jr.). Salem State went on a 10-4 run to extend their lead to 47-49 with just over two minutes remaining in the game. The Vikings were able to maintain their lead and finished with a score of 58-55. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Salem State outscored Nichols in the second half of the game 30-20 to overcome the Bison and secure their win. 
• The Vikings led the Bison in field goal and free throw percentage, as well as dominating the court in rebounds and points in the paint. 
• Shakera Fullenwilder Sr. lead the Vikings scoring with 12 points, with Kylie Schrock tallying 9 in the Vikings crusade. 

By Liv Davison ‘25

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez ‘25