SALEM, Mass. -- A 10-0 run midway through the second half gave the Bears the lead for good, and Bridgewater State was able to hold off Salem State 76-68 Saturday afternoon at the O'Keefe Center. Megan Boutilette (Charlton, Mass.) scored a game-high 23 points - including five in the decisive spurt - to help BSU improve to 13-3 overall, 4-1 in MASCAC play. The Vikings fell to 8-10, 1-4.

Salem State recovered from a 15-0 deficit to open the game, and led at halftime 41-37. The advantage was 51-48 after a Bridget Dullea (Peabody, Mass.) jumper with 12:09 remaining.

Vanesa Conceicao (New Bedford, Mass.) brought the Bears to within one on a layup, then Boutilette converted an old-fashioned three-point play to give BSU its first lead of the half 53-51. The Bears finished their spurt with a three-pointer by Elisha Homich (Ludlow, Mass.) and another bucket by Boutilette, and led 58-51 with 9:33 left.

Despite trailing by seven, Salem State battled back. The Vikings drew within two on a pair of occasions - the latter coming on a lay-in by Rachael Carter (Merrimack, N.H.) with 2:48 remaining to cut the deficit to 70-68. But Jenna Williamson (Ludlow, Mass.) drained a three and Boutilette broke free for a lay-up, and the Bears held on despite missing six of seven free throws in the final two minutes.

Boutilette finished 9-13 from the field and snared a game-high 10 rebounds. Homich added 19 points, including 9-12 from the line, while Colleen Hanscom (Melrose, Mass.) finished with 10 points. The Vikings were led by Sandra Lanier (Groton, Mass.), who had 16 points to go along with a team-high nine boards. Ashely White (Salem, Mass.) had 14 points, including three triples, and Carter finished with 12 points and seven assists.

The Vikings return to the hardwood Tuesday evening when they visit Worcester State at 6 p.m. The Bears host MCLA Wednesday night at 5:30.