Site:
Winston-Salem, N.C.

Score:
Salem 88, Greensboro 64

Records:
Salem (6-5, 2-2 USA South) / Greensboro (1-10, 1-2 USA South)

Next Game:
Salem at William Peace | Raleigh, N.C. | 5 p.m. | January 9

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Dionne Sampson exploded for a season-high 27 points, hitting 9-of-14 from the floor and converting 8-of-9 free throws in the process, while teammates Cree Bass and Alize Munn added 16 and 10 points, respectively, to help Salem halt a 15-game losing skid against Greensboro with an 88-64 victory over their USA South Conference rivals at Varsity Gym on Saturday afternoon.

Sampson, who has reached double figures in 10 of 11 contests this season, led a Salem lineup that finished 30-of-61 (49.2%) from the floor. By virtue of hitting 49.2 percent from the floor, that ties for the third-best shooting performance by a Spirits squad in a USA South opponent in program history. The last time that this took place was against Brevard on December 3, 2022, where Salem also hit 49.2 percent.

Bass reached double figures by hitting 6-of-11 from the floor, including 4-of-8 from long distance, in 27 minutes off the bench. Munn, who led all Spirits in rebounding with eight, delivered her eight double-digit scoring performance of the campaign by virtue of hitting 4-of-9 from the floor and two free throws.

The Spirits also received solid outings from Nykerah Engle, who tallied nine points and six rebounds, and Lily Gorum, who posted five rebounds. Ti'Erra Lee capped off the game with eight points in reserve, as did Aliyah Corpening.

FIRST QUARTER
The Spirits enjoyed one of their best offensive performances in the first quarter this season, hitting 7-of-17 (41.2%) from the floor, hitting six free throws along the way. Sampson showcased her senior leadership, hitting 3-of-5 from the floor, finishing with a team-best eight points. Engle chimed in with five points and Munn added four, along with two rebounds. Munn and Sampson tallied four points apiece as the Spirits established an 8-0 advantage. Greensboro trimmed the deficit to two, 8-6, but Salem responded with a 7-2 run, highlighted by five from Engle, to move in front by seven. Sampson scored the final points of the quarter to provide the Spirits with a 20-8 lead.

SECOND QUARTER
Salem kept its hot hand in the second quarter finishing 6-of-13 (46.2%) from the floor, converting two 3-pointers along the way. The Pride answered Salem's energy by hitting 7-of-17 (41.2%) from the field along with four free throws. Greensboro managed to trim the lead to eight on a series of free throws by Keyonna Thompson, but Salem took advantage of an 11-4 four, capped off by a 3-pointer from Bass, to make for a 31-16 contest. Greensboro closed the half with a flurry of points, including four from Tamera Hooker, as the two teams entered the intermission with a 38-27 score.

THIRD QUARTER
Bass and Sampson combined for 15 of Salem's 24 points in the frame with Bass connecting on 2-of-3 3-pointers and Sampson adding five free throws. Leading 41-32 at the 6:59 mark of the third, Salem received free throws from Ti'Erra Lee that sparked a 14-6 run, capped off by an Aliyah Corpening free throw as the Spirits lead 56-38. Engle added a layup with 1:19 remaining to stretch the lead to 20, 60-40.

FOURTH QUARTER
Both teams finished with at least 20 points in the fourth, but it was Sampson that delivered the decisive blow with 10 points. Sampson was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, including a 3-pointer, as Salem picked up its second league win of the season. Dashe'na Hopkins was also instrumental in the offense, coming off the bench to score two free throws for an injured Engle, Hopkins knocked down a 3-pointer in the frame. The Spirits got their lead to 20 points again early in the fourth, following a layup by Munn, as the lead moved to 68-48. Five points from Sampson at the midway point of the half helped Salem to stretch its lead to 31 points, 83-52. Greensboro scored 12 of the final 17 points to make for the 88-64 final.