Novi fights off valiant Salem effort

Feb. 2, 2010, 11:58 p.m.

  Salem's boys basketball team has not earned a victory against Novi this season, but the Rocks have definitely earned the Wildcats' respect.

  Novi prevailed 65-59 over the Rocks on Tuesday night to improve its record to 12-1 overall and 6-1 in the KLAA Central Division. Salem fell to 6-7 and 2-7, respectively.

  "We closed it to four late in the fourth quarter with the ball, but we committed a turnover and then they went down and hit a three," said Salem coach Bob Brodie. "We chased them the entire game, we just couldn't catch them."

  Novi led 18-15 after one quarter and 33-23 at the break. The Rocks closed their deficit to 49-41 with eight minutes to play, but couldn't overcome a deep Wildcat line-up.

  "We had a bad second quarter -- we only made two field goals in the quarter -- which kind of doomed us," said Brodie. "We played well in the second half offensively, scoring 36 points, but we couldn't stop them."

  Jake Peterson had an awesome game for Salem, recording 23 points and nine rebounds. Devonta Riley also played well, scoring 13 points.

  Paul Classen didn't score for Salem, but he tied Peterson in the rebound lead with nine.

  Samier Ozier led Novi with 19 points.

  Salem struggled at the free throw line, canning just 5 of 12.