Box Score WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- LaMar Monger scored 19 points and the Rams' defense forced 22 Royal turnovers, as Winston-Salem State University beat Queens University of Charlotte, 70-60 Saturday night in the CE Gaines Center.
The Rams sweep the season series from Queens, as the defeated the Royals for the second time in two weeks. The Rams took care of QUC, 72-66 on November 19th in the finals of the Final Fire Classic.
After scoring the game's first two points, the Rams quickly found themselves in a five point hole at 7-2. But just as quickly as they fell behind, WSSU would get back into the game with a smothering defensive effort and the new running, gunning Rams' offense.
A back and forth first half, saw Queens lead by five points on two occasions, while the Rams tied the score three different times and eventually took their biggest lead of of six points at 28-22 with a little over two minutes remaining in the first half.
Winston-Salem State would take a 30-25 lead into the locker room at the intermission. The Rams score 16 points off of Royal turnovers in the first half, and outscored their bench 19-2.
WSSU head coach, Bobby Collins and his staff were able to turn the screws at halftime and make some adjustments in the second half that turned the defensive pressure up and forced turnovers.
But the Royals were not going to go away easily and created their own pressure defensively, keeping WSSU off balance for stretches of the game and were able to keep the game within shouting distance throughout the second half. They pulled were able to pull within seven points late, at 59-52.
But coming down the stretch, the Rams were able to maintain their defensive focus and make key baskets and free f=throws to hold on for a 70-60 win.
"Our bench wore them down. We were able to play 10 or 11 guys in the first half and our depth worn them down. Our defensive pressure enabled us to come up with some steals that led to some easy baskets for us," says head coach Bobby Collins.
"We had a lot of effort defensively in the second half. I thought we really locked in in the second half. Our offense will come, it will take care of itself," added Collins.
We need to focus and get some consistency, especially after the Christmas break, when you begin to play more game and get into CIAA play. This was our first game since November 22nd,and we don't play again until the December 15th at Wingate," says Collins.
LaMar Monger led the Rams with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Justin Glover added 15 points and three reboiunds, while WyKevin Bazemore chipped in nine points and seven rebounds. Joseph Thompson added seven points and six rebounds, Marcus Wells added six points and three rounds, and Stephon Platt added four points and five rebounds.
