UU men win big at Salem International

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SALEM, W.Va. – Six players reached double digits in the scoring column to lead Urbana men’s basketball past Salem International 109-88 in non-conference play Wednesday night in Salem, West Virginia.

Urbana improved to 2-1 overall while Salem fell to 0-2 on the young season. The Blue Knights continued their fast start by shooting 50 percent overall from the floor and controlling the glass 46-24. A total of 11 different players scored and nine Knights made at least one 3-pointer.

“We started off strong today and we’re happy to be leaving with the win,” head coach Rob Summers said. “Our youth showed a little at times, with such a young team, every game is a new learning experience. I’m excited to continue to grow with these guys. We look forward to coming home to play in front of our fans this weekend.”

Junior Charles Sweatt-Washington and sophomore Jahmere Howze led the way with 17 points each. Sweatt-Washington finished 7 of 9 from the floor with four rebounds, while Howze made 8 of 9 free throws and pulled down five boards. Freshmen DeQuan Abrom and Jagger Surface both poured in a career-high 13 points, while junior AJ Washington had 11 points and team-high six rebounds. Sophomore Demetrius Carr tied his career-best total with 10 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting night.

The Blue Knights made 10 of 18 (56 percent) three-point attempts, while making 34 of 67 field goals. UU’s defense limited the Tigers to just 39-percent shooting on the night.

UU led 18-17 with 11:51 left in the first half and then burst open the game with a 14-4 run. Howze knocked down a trey with 8:06 left ito cap the run with the score 32-21 in UU’s favor.

Salem brought the deficit back down to seven a couple possessions later, but that was as close as the home team would get the rest of the way.

UU built a comfortable 53-32 halftime lead and cruised through the final 20 minutes. The Blue Knight lead swelled to as much as 31 in the second half.

Urbana will host No. 7 Wheeling Jesuit in the home opener at Grimes Center this Saturday. It’ll be a 4 p.m. tipoff, following the women’s contest, as both squads begin conference play.

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