Salem Tops Endicott for Tip-Off Title
Nov. 18, 2007
SALEM, MA - Salem State College had five players reach double figures as the Vikings defeated Endicott College, 85-69, in the Salem Tip-Off Tournament Championship on Sunday afternoon in Salem, Massachusetts.
The Vikings sprinted out to a 41-34 halftime lead, led by Tournament MVP Alex Finn's (Ashby, MA) four three pointers in the first frame. Salem State was able to grab 22 of its 50 rebounds on the offensive end, resulting in 16 second-chance points.
Finn, along with teammate Marquis Victor (Lawrence, MA) each ended the evening with 19 points. The Vikings also received 12 points each from junior center Dylan Holmes (Groton, MA) and junior guard Stevie Celestin (Sommerville, MA). Holmes pulled down a game-high nine boards followed by Victor's eight. Sophomore guard Nick Tokarski (Springfield, MA) added game-highs in assists (4) and steals (4).
SSC shot 32-for-65 (49.2%) from the field and out-rebounded the Gulls, 50-33. Senior guard Todd Burton (Lynn, MA/St. Mary's/Canterbury School) led all Endicott scorers with 14 points, earning himself a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Sophomore guard Graham Whitelaw (Kennebunk, ME, Cheverus) was also selected to the All-Tournament squad as he added seven points and three steals in the losing effort. Freshman Chris Galbraith (Lowell, MA/Lowell, Marionapolis Prep) had 11 points on five-of-nine shooting in his second collegiate game.
Endicott has a bit of a lay-off as the Gulls don't return to action again until after the Thanksgiving break. The Blue and Green will take the court on Tuesday, November 27th as they make their home debut against Bates College at 8:00 p.m.