MONTCLAIR, N.J. 12/29/07 - The Keene State College men's basketball team lost to Salem State College 94-82 in the championship game of the Steve Adubato One-on- One Classic at Monclair State University in New Jersey on Saturday.

It was a tough set back for the Owls (6-3), who not only dropped a game to a tough regional opponent, but enabled the Vikings (9-1) to avenge their loss to KSC in last year's second-round of the NCAA tournament.

Keene State was led by junior forward Tyler Kathan, who had a game high 27 points and 10 rebounds.  Kathan was named to the All-Tournament team along with senior guard Anthony Licitra, who finished with 15 points.

"We didn't execute well and had a tough time shooting the ball," said KSC Coach Rob Colbert.  "We'd get it close, but just couldn't keep it rolling.  I think the Salem State team we played today was better than the one we faced in last year's NCAA tournament."

Keene State shot 36% from the field (26-72), hit just six of 28 three-pointers (21%), and missed 11 free throws (24-35, 69%).  In addition to their poor shooting, the Owls also turned the ball over 27 times. 

"We hurt ourselves a lot, "Colbert said.  "You can't give the ball back to a team like Salem State."

Falling behind by 10 points (25-15), the Owls went on an 11-3 run to climb within two (28-26) on a pair of free throws by Licitra with 4:35 to go in the first half. A late 10-3 spurt enabled the Vikings to head to the locker room with a 38-29 halftime lead.

Things didn't get any better for Keene State in the second half.  Salem State opened the half with an 11-2 run, taking a 49-31 lead on a conventional three-point play by tournament MVP Richard Ogboin, who finished with 19 points.

The Owls attempted to scratch their way back into the game in the final minutes.  A lay-up by senior forward Sandel White, cut the deficit to six points (72-66) with 4:12 remaining. 

Salem State, playing under first-year coach Chris Harvey, responded by scoring the next seven points to push its lead back up to 13 points (79-66) with 3:37 to play.
Six Vikings scored in double-figures in the game.  In addition to Ogboin, Stevie Celestin added 18 points and Jeremi Taitt finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

It doesn't get any easier for the Owls, who travel to Williams College next Wednesday to face the #7 ranked Ephs.  "I think we'll regroup and be OK," said Colbert.  "We just need to get a few days of practice under our belt."

Keene State was making its second appearance in the Classic in the past three years. The Owls lost to Bridgewater State (83-57) in the 2005 finals.

Host Montclair State surprised Calvin College (72-69) in Saturday's consolation game.