SALEM — Behind a massive fourth quarter and a full team effort, the Salem boys basketball team came back and got revenge for last Friday’s loss to Northeastern Conference foe Swampscott, knocking off the Big Blue by a score of 69-55 Tuesday night at Salem High School.
After trailing by one point going into the final frame, the Witches outscored the Big Blue 25-10 in the fourth quarter to earn the victory.
“It was a great high school basketball game and it was great for us to come back and get the win,” said Salem coach Tom Doyle. “Swampscott played a great game against us Friday and played three more great quarters against us (Tuesday), but we were just able to pull away in the fourth.”
Senior Treston Abreu had a massive game for the Witches in the victory, putting up a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Angel Tejada and junior Chris Qirjazi each had 10 points and four rebounds, while senior Darlin Santiago put up 10 points. Freshman Brayson Green (eight points, three rebounds) and junior Jack Doyle (five points, three rebounds) also played well in the win.
“We played well for the most part early, but we couldn’t sustain it,” said Swampscott coach Jason Knowles. “We went into the fourth with the lead, but foul trouble and lack of offense really did us in.”
For Swampscott, sophomore Liam Wales had a big night with 20 points and four rebounds. Sophomore Ryan Ward was close behind with 13 points, while junior Riad Benagore just missed a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Senior Evan Roth (six points), senior Cam O’Brien (three points, eight rebounds, five assists) and junior Max Brodsky (three points, three rebounds) also played well for the Big Blue.
Swampscott started things off with a stellar defensive effort and jumped out to an early lead, but Salem slowly chipped away at it.
The Witches had grabbed a 31-28 lead at halftime, but Swampscott answered back in the third quarter with a run of its own to take a 45-44 lead into the final frame.
That’s when Salem turned things around in a big way.
Behind some stellar play from Abreu, Qirjazi and Doyle, the Witches forced a number of turnovers and got out in transition for some easy offense. After eventually forcing Swampscott into foul trouble, Salem proceeded to knock down its free throws and walk away with the win.
Swampscott (2-4) turns right around for a home game against Georgetown Wednesday (6:30).
Salem (7-1) also has a quick turnaround with a game against Wakefield Wednesday (7).
