KEENE, N.H. 3/2/2007 - It's on to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the Keene State College men's basketball team. Following their 81-47 first-round victory over Rivier College, the Owls set sail for Salem, Mass., and a NCAA date against the Vikings. Saturday's game at James Twohig Gymnasium begins at 7 p.m.
Keene State which holds a 28-17 series advantage over Salem, will be the facing the Vikings for the first time since the 1983-84 season. KSC won the game 78-77.
While the Owls were able to rest several of its key players in Thursday's win against Rivier, Salem State will be returning to the court since defeating Westfield State 72-62 in the championship game of the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) tournament on Sunday.
Keene State (23-5), winners of six out of its last seven, earned an at-large berth to the tournament after falling to Rhode Island College (87-75) in the championship game of the Little East Conference tournament. The Owls rebounded with a convincing first-round win over Rivier. David Sontag had a game high 22 points to lead KSC against the Raiders. The senior guard shot lights out, hitting seven of his eight shots from the field and connecting on six of his seven attempts behind the line.
It's the second time Keene State has advanced to the second-round of the tournament. The Owls, reached the Elite-Eight in 2004 defeating Babson College (79-65) and Rochester (82-79) before falling to Williams College (79-64) in the New England regional finals.
Winners of 17 straight, Salem State (24-2) earned one of five first-round byes in the 59-team NCAA field. The Vikings are making their 21st NCAA tournament appearance and third in the last four years under Sean Doherty. Doherty, who was named MASCAC coach of the year for the second time, has compiled a 91-19 overall record at SSC.
The Vikings are led by senior forward Eric Downie. The two-time MASCAC player for the year exploded for 30 points and 10 rebounds in Salem's MASCAC tile win over Westfield.
Although he hasn't had time to study much tape, KSC Coach Rob Colbert is very impressed with the Vikings. "Salem is a very talented and athletic team," he said. "They had a great year and marched through their league. Based on the scores both teams have put up, it should be a very exciting game."
Salem State, ranked 22nd in latest D3 Hoops poll, have played three LEC opponents this season, handily defeating Plymouth State (87-70) and UMass-Boston (97-74) and edging UMass-Dartmouth (70-68). The Vikings' marquee win came against WPI (87-78), currently ranked 18th nationally. Their two loses came against Roger Williams (85-73) and Wheaton College (75-65).
