Sea Gulls split at Coaches vs. Cancer Classic
CRESSON, Pa. – The Salisbury University men's basketball team opened up its season this past weekend at the Hampton Inn Coaches vs. Cancer Classic and the maroon and gold split its two games at the tournament as they finished in second place.

The Sea Gulls (1-1) held on for a three point, 83-80, win over tournament host Mt. Aloysius in the first game on Friday evening (November 16) and fell in the championship game, 68-58, to Allegheny College. Last season, SU won this tournament to begin its 2006-07 season.

Senior Gary Ward scored a team-high 18 points in the first contest and added another 14 points against Allegheny to lead the Sea Gulls. Sophomore Greg Palmer recorded a game-high 17 points in the championship game.

In game one, SU trailed by six at the intermission, 44-38, and got down by as many as 11 points in the second half but rallied for the comeback win. The Sea Gulls were outrebounded 31-27 but shot over 47 percent from three-point range to aid in the come from behind win. Ward had a game-high nine assists in the win.

In the championship game, Palmer scored nine of his 17 points from behind the three-point line as he was 3-of-5 shooting from long range. Ward, junior Brandon Abney and sophomore Drew Dickson each scored double digits in the loss.

The Sea Gulls built a seven-point lead at 7:37 in the first half but relinquished the advantage two minutes later and never led again.

The maroon and gold return to action on Tuesday, November 20, as they host former Capital Athletic Conference member Goucher College in the first round of the Pride of Maryland Tournament at 7 p.m. at Maggs Physical Activities Center.