WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem basketball team completes the non-conference portion of its schedule on Saturday, Feb. 8, when the Spirits head to crosstown rival Piedmont International for a 2 p.m. contest.

Salem (0-21), with two road games remaining in its 2019-20 slate, enters the contest with a 7-2 advantage in the all-time series, dating back to the first clash between the two programs on Jan. 8, 2009. The Spirits have faced Piedmont International twice in the same season on three occasions since the rivalry began, including the 2008-09, 2010-11 and 2019-20 campaigns.

Salem makes the short trek to face the Bruins in search of its first road win of the season, which would halt a 22-game losing streak on the road that dates back to Feb. 14, 2018. The Spirits are led offensively by sophomore Sydney Bowen, who has scored 216 points (10.8 ppg), and first-year standout Alize Brooks, who has tallied 206 points (10.3 ppg).

Bowen tops the team in points after hitting 81-of-264 (30.7%) from the floor and 30-of-107 (28%) from 3-point range. Brooks has taken advantage of hitting 75-of-243 (30.9%) from the field along with knocking down 38-of-74 (51.4%) at the free throw line.

The combination of Aubrey Slaughter and Lauren Privette have anchored Salem in rebounding with 172 and 164 total rebounds, respectively. Slaughter leads the way with 113 defensive boards, and the duo is tied with 59 offensive rebounds apiece.

Piedmont International brings a 15-5 record into the game, winning nine of 10 games at home this season. The Bruins have won 10 of their last 11 contests with the lone setback (67-61) coming to Voorhees on Jan. 27.

LeOnzerrae Grubbs tops the Bruins' lineup with 240 points, hitting 87-of-193 (45.1%) from the floor and 44-of-116 (37.9%) from beyond the arc. She is closely followed in points by Lexius Houzer, who has accrued 238 points after converting 100-of-169 (59.2%) from the field and 33-of-54 (61.1%) at the charity stripe.

Alysia McLeod leads the way for Piedmont International in rebounding with 121 boards (49 offensive). Houzer has also reached 100 rebounds on the season (110), pulling down 63 defensive rebounds.

For more information on Salem basketball check out www.salemspirits.com.