With the huge road victory, the streaking Owls garnered their sixth straight victory and moved into sole possession of first place in the conference. The Owls are 15-7 overall and 7-2 in the conference. Salem is 14-7 and 6-2.
Playing outstanding on both ends of the court, the Owls bolted to a commanding 20-point lead, 34-14, with 5:30 remaining in the first half.
Salem went on a 9-0 run to get back into the game and trailed at halftime, 39-28.
Salem’s smallest deficit in the second half was six points, 56-50, with 8:30 remaining. But paced by an incredible shooting display by Illangakoon, the Owls began pulling away in the closing minutes.
Illangakoon scored 24 of his 39 points in the second half. In Westfield’s last game, he scored his previous career high of 24 points in a victory over Worcester State. Illangakoon was 11 for 16 from the field, including 6 for 8 from 3-point range, and 11 for 12 from the foul line.
The Owls again shot well from the foul line, making 31 of 39 free throws, including 24 of 28 in the second half.
Junior forward Eric Downie (Medford) led the Vikings with 20 points.