Key Conference Games As Owls Men and Women Host Salem Saturday

Women's Preview – by Nate Moskowitz

WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State Women's Basketball has an opportunity to get back in the win column as they matchup with Salem State on Saturday afternoon at the Woodard Center in Westfield, Mass.

The Owls stand at 11-10 on the season, and 5-3 in the MASCAC after dropping their previous game against Framingham State. Salem State fell to 3-14 and 1-5 in conference play after a loss to Bridgewater State on Wednesday. The Vikings have a home rematch with Bridgewater today at 6 PM before traveling to Westfield.

Westfield was victorious in the last matchup between these two programs, with significant contributions from several players. Sophomore Olivia Hadla (Westfield, Mass.) spearheaded the Owls balanced attack with 20 points off the bench, and junior Alison Mendel (Adams, Mass.) led the starters with 18 points. Senior Isabella Aitken (Pittsfield, Mass.) and sophomore Jordan Grant scored 15 points apiece, and sophomore Jess Gardner (Webster, Mass.) had a season high 13 points.

Senior Irianis Delgado (Lynn, Mass.) had a tremendous game against the Owls last time with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore Gabby Torres (Peabody, Mass.) was impactful for the Vikings as well, chipping in 15 points and seven rebounds. Salem's leading scorer junior Liz Zaiter (Peabody, Mass.) was held to just six points, with early foul trouble against Westfield, but she's reached at least 20 points in four out of the last five games.

Men's Preview – By Eric Perez

Westfield, MA - Westfield will be hosting Salem State at the Woodward Center this Saturday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m. in a battle for first place in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Westfield (16-4) saw Salem State (11-8) earlier this season in January where the Owls fell short to the Vikings, 95-83. Salem currently sits in first place with a 7-1 record in conference play, with the Owls right behind them in second place at 6-2. The Owls have been all gas, no brakes, coming into the contest on a four-game win streak, all of which were league play games and look for a measure of revenge against the Vikings. Westfield could move into a tie with Salem atop the conference standings with a win.

Westfield is a tough team to beat at home, going 8-2 this year when playing at the Woodward Center. Junior Brendon Hamilton continues to lead the Owls with the help of Seniors Justin Rennis and Kumar Brown along with Junior JT Thompson and Sophomore Kuany Teng.

Hamilton is still rolling this season, averaging 16.4 ppg and 14.6rbg, leading the team in both categories. The last time the Owls met the Vikings, Hamilton went off for 24 points, and 12 boards.

Justin Rennis is averaging 13.3 ppg and 5.2rpg , making him the second leading scorer for Westfield. His leadership holds great value for the Owls' chemistry. Rennis did not play the first time they met Salem.

Kumar Brown missed some time due to injury earlier this season, but has been impactful since coming back for the Owls. He currently averages 8.9 ppg with 5.5 rpg. He played the last time Westfield met the Vikings, ending with 10 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.

Kuany Teng and JT Thompson have provided the outside threats for the Owls. Teng is averaging 10.4ppg shooting 40.8% from three, which leads MASCAC in three-point field goal percentage. Thompson averages 11.5 ppg and is shooting 35.7% from three. They both scored 12 points each the last time they played Salem State.

Salem State has had a similarly successful year and has been led by Guard Sean Bryan. Bryan is averaging 20.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, and 5.5 apg. He currently leads the conference in points and assists per game. Bryan poured in 37 points against the Owls in their first contest, shooting 13-19 field goals. How the Owls match up defensively against Bryan will be one of the major keys to the game.

Senior center Connor Byrne is the second-leading scorer and rebound leader for the Vikings with 13.1ppg and 9.9rpg. He put up 21 points with10 rebounds in the first match up against Westfield.

All Indoor events at Westfield State require spectators to wear a mask.