INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- The Yellow Jacket Men's Basketball team defeated the Salem Tigers on Wednesday night with an 82-71 victory in the Walker Convocation Center. WVSU converted 15 Salem turnovers into 20 points, while holding Salem to just nine points off of 12 WVSU turnovers. The Jackets shot 56 percent in the first half while holding the Tigers to just 36 percent over the same period.
WVSU hits the even mark following the win with a 6-6 record, 3-3 in the Mountain East. Salem falls to 4-9 on their D-II independent schedule.
Miguel Martinez led the charge for WVSU with 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Kenyon Giles added 14 points, two assists, and a board.
Nate Mims and Jae Slack each added 11 points.
WVSU dominated the first half with a strong start, using an 8-0 run at the 12:15 mark to take early control. Martinez and Giles led the charge, combining for multiple three-pointers during this stretch. The Yellow Jackets' defense was relentless, forcing nine turnovers and converting them into 13 points. WVSU also showcased their depth, with 16 points coming from the bench, highlighted by
Jacob Rice and
Bunky Brown. Salem kept it close early with solid shooting from Kevin Constant, but WVSU's fast-paced offense proved too much. The Yellow Jackets outscored Salem 22-8 in the paint, utilizing their size advantage. WVSU's fast-break opportunities added 12 points, keeping Salem on their heels. Despite a brief 5-0 run from Salem late in the half, WVSU closed strong with their largest lead of the period, 20 points. Giles and Martinez were instrumental in spreading the floor, shooting a combined 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. The Yellow Jackets entered halftime with a commanding 49-29 lead, shooting an impressive 56.3% from the field.
Salem came out firing in the second half, going on a 10-0 run midway through the period to cut into WVSU's lead. Daquan Coleman sparked the surge with a three-pointer, while Kevin Constant added four points in the paint. WVSU responded with a 6-0 run led by Giles' fast-break layup and Martinez's three-pointer. The Yellow Jackets' defense tightened up, forcing six turnovers in the half and limiting Salem to just 19% shooting from three-point range. Martinez continued to shine, adding seven points and converting all three of his free throws. WVSU's bench provided crucial support, with
Ju'Juan Ray contributing two steals and four points. Salem attempted another rally late, highlighted by a 7-0 spurt capped by Coleman's deep three-pointer, but it wasn't enough. The Yellow Jackets maintained composure at the free-throw line, with Mims and Slack combining for eight made free throws in the final minutes. WVSU finished with a 43% shooting percentage overall, while holding Salem to 37%. The Yellow Jackets sealed the 82-71 victory.
State travels to Point Park on Saturday for a weekend matchup against the Pioneers. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
