SALISBURY, Md. - Salisbury University earned its first Salisbury Optimist Classic Tournament title in six seasons Saturday night with a 67-62 victory over visiting Shenandoah University.

The Sea Gulls (5-3) jumped out to a 14-3 lead and led by as many as 16 before Shenandoah (4-2) cut the deficit to two midway through the second half.

This would be as close as the Hornets would get however, as Salisbury scored the next seven points of the game to expand the lead out to eight points.

Shenandoah again made up the deficit and put itself in position to tie the game on a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left, but Jared Hale's attempt from the corner went off the rim and to the Gulls on the rebound.

Rico Stewart took a long pass for a layup to give the hosts the final margin of victory.

Hornets junior Onyie Onunaku led all scorers with 22 points and earned Shenandoah's only spot on the all-tournament team. Salisbury's Ray Williams was named MVP.

Box Score/Play by Play 

The Hornets are back in action Tuesday night against Southern Virginia. Game time is 7:30.