WENHAM, Mass.—Gordon Women's Basketball fell on the wrong side of a high-scoring affair as Salem State University staged a second-half comeback to send the Fighting Scots to their third consecutive loss. The Vikings turned an eight-point deficit into a large lead late in the second half on their way to a 91-75 victory.
After a tough weekend offensively, Gordon came out shooting from the opening tip. An outside that wasn't falling in games against Fisher and Eastern Connecticut State at the Gordon College Classic suddenly became an instant jolt into the Gordon offense. The Fighting Scots made seven triples over the first 20 minutes and shot over 50 percent in a half for the first time on the year.
Salem showcased its own offensive prowess at the start, taking a 22-17 lead approaching the end of the first quarter. However, Gordon countered back in the waning moments with a three-point play the old fashioned way followed by a running shot just inside half court as time expired made by Olivia Stark (Arvada, Colo.).
The Vikings rolled back to take a lead temporarily in the second quarter, but Gordon remained persistent in its pressure to build a lead as large as eight points as time dwindled in the half. However, five straight points by the Vikings carried some momentum into the break as Gordon led 47-44 with two quarters to go.
As hot as the Fighting Scots were in the first half, they struggled to find their shot in the second. Gordon shot just over 30 percent as a team over the final 20 minutes of regulation and made two of 10 attempts from behind the arch.
On the other side, Salem State stayed consistent enough to build up a 68-62 advantage entering the fourth before hitting on all cylinders to start the final period. The visitors scored 13 straight to open the period, as Gordon turned the ball over on subsequent possessions to fuel the run.
The Fighting Scots were unable to get any rhythm back on their side and fell to 1-3 on the season. Salem State continued its up-and-down campaign to move to 3-2 over the first week and a half.
Senior Kaitlyn Bryan (Lowell, Mass.) was outstanding for the Vikings with 27 points and three steals. Tyra Scott (Methuen, Mass.) was quietly effective all night and finished second on the team with 18 points and two blocks. Norma Waggett (Saugus, Mass.) stayed at her season average with 17 points, while Kia Fernandes (Wareham, Mass.) 13 points and six boards despite being in foul trouble.
Salem State shot exactly 50 percent as a team (34-68) and was more effective from deep in the second half on their way to the double-digit win.
Four Gordon players also found their way into double-figure scoring with Meghan Foley (Malden, Mass.) leading the way with 18 points. Brooke Dyson (Houston, Texas) scored 12 points and made three of her six attempts from behind the arch. Alisha Henderson (Oregon City, Ore.) and Stark both ended the evening with 11.
Salem held a 42-34 advantage in rebounds and came up with 15 boards to create several second-chance opportunities. The Vikings turned 26 Gordon turnovers into 37 points, while the Fighting Scots scored 22 points off of turnovers.
Both teams are off for the next week for Thanksgiving break. Salem State hosts Brandeis next Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. Gordon looks to get back on track next Wednesday with Eastern Nazarene comes to town for the Commonwealth Coast Conference opener.
