WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Mary Baldwin's Jalen Gathers scored a game-high 15 points and led four players in double figures as the Fighting Squirrels posted a 71-58 victory in USA South Conference action over Salem in Varsity Gym on Wednesday evening.
Salem (3-18, 2-13 USA South) was led offensively by the tandem of Alize Brooks (13 points) and Alize Munn (12). That pair led the way for a Spirits' lineup that finished 24-of-59 (40.7%) from the floor and 8-of-10 (80%) at the charity stripe. Brooks scored 13 in reserve after connecting of 5-of-8 from the floor and 3-of-4 from the free throw line. Munn emerged 5-of-11 from the floor and was 2-of-3 at the charity stripe, while adding seven rebounds (four defensive).
Salem closed with 32 rebounds, led by Munn's seven. Teammate Tamsi Echendu came through with five boards. Salem also received eight assists from Cree Bass.
Joining Gathers in double figures were A'Cetta Farrait (14 points), Mya Coleman (14) and Demet Saygili (13). Saygilia led the way for Mary Baldwin on the glass with 10 rebounds, completing her double-double performance.
The Spirits struggled to find their rhythm in the opening quarter, hitting just 3-of-18 from the floor, with the combination of Munn, Sydney Bowen and Tyler Davenport accounting for the six points. Meanwhile, Mary Baldwin knocked down 7-of-12 (58.3%) from the field, converting one 3-pointer, to establish a 15-6 advantage. Jalen Gathers closed out the frame with five points, while Demet Saygili and Mya Coleman came through with four points apiece.
Salem rebounded with a solid shooting performance in the second, hitting 7-of-15 (46.7%) from the field and both free throws in the process. Bass highlighted the individual performances with five points, finishing 2-of-3 from the floor and 1-of-2 from beyond the arc. Munn added four for Salem, who pulled the margin to 33-23 at the intermission.
The Fighting Squirrels (13-9, 9-7 USA South) used a 12-3 run in the first 3:45 of the third to establish a 45-26 lead. Gathers capped off that run with a layup, following a pass from Hannah Varner. Brooks retaliated with four points of her own and Dionne Sampson added a layup to pull the Spirits back with 14. A jump shot from Munn trimmed the jump shot, following a pass from Bass, kept Salem within striking distance. Munn added an old-fashioned three-point play, converting a layup and free throw, to make for a 56-44 advantage through three quarters.
Mary Baldwin stretched the lead back to 14 early in the fourth, 60-46. However, a 3-pointer off the hand of Kyana Thomas coupled with points from Munn and Echendu allowed Salem to move within 60-52 at the 5:16 mark. The Fighting Squirrels allowed just six points down the stretch, completing the 13-point win.
Salem will now head to Averett for a 6 p.m. clash with the Cougars in Danville, Va., on Thursday evening. Two days later, on February 12th, Salem will head to William Peace for a 2 p.m. contest.
