Salem, Mass. - Down by as many as 13 points, Clark clawed its way back to take the lead but eventually fell to perennial MASCAC power Salem State, 71-69 at Twohig Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.

The Cougars were paced by senior Jillian Camilleri (Lancaster, Mass.) who finished with 14 points and nine rebounds. Also in double figures for Clark were sophomores Ivori Aiken (Harlem, N.Y.) (11 points), and Michelle Chambers (Bronx, N.Y.) (career-high 10 points, four assists).

Viking freshman Brianna Wilson came off the bench to net 12 points and haul in a career-best 12 rebounds for Salem State.

Although the rebounding totals were close, the Vikings had more offensive rebounds (23) than defensive (22), which led to 17 second chance points.

Clark fought its way back in the second half by shooting 50 percent in the final 20 minutes and 49 percent for the game. Salem State, meanwhile, connected on just 36 percent of its shots, including a chilly 7-for-31 from three-point land.

The Vikings made up for their poor shooting by forcing 19 Cougar turnovers which they converted into 21 points.

Clark returns to action on Monday, December 30 with a home contest against Johnson & Wales.