Vikings Even Season Set Against Salem with 73-70 Win

Toms River, NJ - OCC Men's Basketball (5-5) won their 2nd straight contest and improved to 5-5 overall following a 73-71 come-from-behind thriller versus Salem CC on Tuesday (12/10). Roaring to life after trailing by 10 points at the half, the win brings even the 2-game season series between these teams, with Salem taking their 1st matchup on November 19.

Ocean freshman guard Kai Barckley posted one of his most productive games of the season, scoring 15 points and bringing in 5 rebounds, while freshman guard Jamari Smith continued his excellent play through 10 games, with a 16-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist effort. Smith currently averages a team-leading 14.5 points and 7.4 rebounds a game in a Viking season in which all 5 of the team's wins have occurred on their home court.  

"Really important home win, which I believe shows how much we've grown as a team since our first match up with Salem just a few weeks ago," reflected OCC Men's Basketball Head Coach Patrick Boylan. "Jamari Smith came to life in the second half and began to dominate the game offensively and on the glass. Kai Barckley also continued to impress with his scoring and knack for hitting big shots. And when the game was on the line, Myles Marabuto rose to the occasion. He calmly knocked down two game-winning free throws and then caused the game-sealing turnover due to his tenacious ball pressure. Overall, great team win and we hope to carry the momentum with us to Union on Thursday."

The Vikings will return to action this Thursday, December 12, when they travel to Union College of New Jersey for a 6 P.M. tipoff versus the Owls.