Men's Basketball Pillages Vikings, 98-69

WESTFIELD, Mass. –  Westfield State University's starting five each scored in double figures as the Owls posted a 98-69 win over Salem State in a MASCAC men's basketball game at the Woodward Center on Saturday afternoon.

The Owls jumped out to a 49-35 halftime lead and extended the margin throughout the second half. 

Westfield (12-6, 4-1 MASCAC) shot 47 percent from the floor, while holding the Vikings to just 27.6 percent shooting.

The Owls were led by 21 points from senior guard Jauch Green, Jr. (Hartford, Conn./Cromwell)  who shot 6-12 from the floor and 8-13 at the foul line.

Marcus Collins (Cambridge, Mass/Rindge and Latin) and Vawn Lord (West Springfield, Mass./Amherst)  each added 15 points, with guard Moody Bey (Springfield, Mass./Monson) contributing 13 points, six assists and five rebounds.   Freshman forward Brandon Hamilton (Worcester, Mass./ Tech) added 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Owls.  Malik Pouncy (Mattapan, Mass./Springfield Commonwealth) came off the bench to dish out seven assists for Westfield.

Salem (2-16, 1-5 MASCAC) got 21 points and 16 rebounds from senior center Hakeem Animashaun (Dedham, Mass.), and Chris MacDonald (Wakefield, Mass/Malden Catholic)  added 21 points.

Westfield State will be back in action on Wednesday with a key conference game at MCLA. Westfield will look to hand MCLA its first league loss of the season in a battle of two of the top teams in the league.

Salem will step out of league for a game against Amherst College on Wednesday.