Salem, MA --- Sophomore Garrett Stephenson (Townsend, MA) posted his second double-double of the season, this time with 20 points and 10 rebounds, as the WPI men's basketball team remained unbeaten with an 83-67 triumph over host Salem State Saturday afternoon in Twohig Gymnasium.

The Engineers, who are receiving votes in the D3hoops.com Top 25, are now 8-0 while the Vikings slip to 3-7 on the season.

Salem State started the first three minutes of the game committing five turnovers. The Crimson and Gray managed to build a 13-point lead from the shooting of sophomore Reid Walker (Lithia, FL) in the first half. Walker put up 15 points and had three steals. Junior Hakeem Animashaun (Dedham, MA) led the way for the Vikings, scoring 20 first-half points while grabbing nine rebounds.

WPI went ahead 42-31 in the first half shooting 41.7% (5-12) from three. Salem State scored 22 points in the paint. However, the Vikings shot just 0-5 from behind the arc. Salem State managed to cut the lead to six with 13 minutes left in the half. The Engineers responded though, going on an 8-0 run from three's by sophomore Kahleb Downing (Middletown, CT) and freshman John Wessel (New Oxford, PA), and a layup from Stephenson. The Vikings then traded baskets with the Engineers, which prevented them from cutting into the deficit.

Walker finished with 22 points (8-15) and three steals for WPI. Animashaun, meanwhile, ended the game with a double-double of 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Vikings. Senior Bryan Martinez (Salem, MA) added 13 points and eight boards.

WPI shot 50% (33-66) from the field for the game while the Vikings shot 39.3% (24-61).

The Engineers entertain Husson on Sunday December 16 at 1pm. Salem State is at Endicott Tuesday at 7pm.

Majority Release Courtesy Salem State Sports Information