Box Score
Salem, Mass -- Brian Clark (Deerfield, Mass.) scored 23 points and Salem State never trailed as the Vikings cruised past Gordon 76-49 Tuesday night at Twohig Gymnasium. Clark scored 15 of his points in the first half, as SSU was dominant and followed up its impressive win at Williams last weekend. The Vikings improved to 4-0 on the season, while the Fighting Scots fell to 0-3.

The Vikings took control of the game in the first half, as Clark scored all of his team's points in a 13-2 run. He converted a three-point play and hit four straight jumpers to turn a 10-7 Viking lead into a commanding 23-9 advantage. The Fighting Scots struggled from the floor in the opening 20 minutes, as they hit just four of their first 20 shots. By the time David Dempsey (Wallingford, Conn.) scored with 4:41 remaining, SSU had built the lead to 30-12. The Vikings cruised into the locker room with a 43-25 advantage.

The Vikings did not let up in the second half. Salem State came out on fire, hitting eight of its' first 11 shots, as the lead grew to 27. Clark scored two more buckets and Nate Simpson (Lowell, Mass.) added a pair of hoops during the hot start. Justin Nieves (Lawrence, Mass.) dunk gave the Vikings a 61-34 lead  with just under 13 minutes remaining. Meanwhile, Gordon never found its rhythm, as the Fighting Scots shot just 4-15 from the field in the opening minutes of the second half.

Gordon would get no closer than 21 the rest of the way. Dempsey scored a team-high 23 points and was the only Fighting Scot to reach double figures. Gordon shot just 29 percent from the floor, including 23 percent in the second half.

Clark was 11-13 from the field, and added 5 rebounds in just 25 minutes. Tavone Wynder (Boston, Mass.) finished with 11 points, while Simpson added nine points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Apollos Wade finished with eight points and eight assists, as 12 different players scored for Salem State.

Salem State returns to action Sunday afternoon when the Vikings travels to Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a 2:00p.m. game. Gordon is back in action on Tuesday night when they host Western New England College for an 8:00p.m. tip off. 

Release courtesy of Salem State sports information.