By: Logan Paronto
PORTSMOUTH, NH – Freshman Damien Sanu unloaded a season-high 25 points to help No. 2 Portsmouth down No. 15 Salem 74-60 on Wednesday night in Division I first-round action.
The Clippers stumbled out the gates, trailing 16-8 after the first quarter.
Sanu, Isaiah Reis and Finn McCauley would combine to score 19 of 21 of the Clippers’ second-quarter points to right the ship and allow the hosts to take a 29-28 lead into half.
The third quarter would belong to Anthony Ferola who scored 11 of his 14 points in the eight-minute period.
All five starters would finish in double-figures for Portsmouth, with Reis adding 13 while Derek Swartz and McCauley added 10 apiece. The Clippers were playing without Ryan Swartz.
Brock James poured in a game-high 29 points, while Carlos Cruz added 12 for the Blue Devils.
Portsmouth will host No. 10 Manchester Memorial in quarterfinal action on Saturday.
Salem finishes its season with a 7-12 record.
Check out the full photo gallery by Heather Savage-Erickson…
