Salem: In a matchup of two teams with similar styles, the Salem Witches were able to impose their will and length on the Malden Tornadoes to win the finals of the Salem Shoot-Out Tournament, 65-52.  The Witches front line continuously earned second chances and those chances were quickly converted.  For the game, inside the paint, Salem shot an outstanding 66%, 21-28 with nearly all their misses converted into layups.  Defensively, the Witches absolutely swallowed up the Tornadoes with their 1-3-1 defense, holding the Tornadoes to under 35% shooting for the game.  In the second quarter, Salem held Malden to just 5 points, extending a 5 point first quarter lead to a 34-16 lead at intermission.

"We just couldn't handle their length, particularly in that first half." Coach Don Nally said after the disappointing final.  "We did a much better job in the second half but we were unable to keep them off the glass on the offensive end."

Malden was able to get to the basket with more regularity in the second half but watched as Salem continued to score at will, leading to a 20 point lead entering the final quarter.  Malden was led by junior forward Anthony Gilardi's 15 points and sophomore guard Mark Rogers 12 points and 6 rebounds.  Malden will close out the regular season with a game against Belmont this Wednesday night.  Game time is set for 7pm.