BOCA RATON, FL – The Winston-Salem State University Rams made a strong effort in the last few minutes of the game, but could not overcome the #8 ranked Barry University Buccaneers, as the fell 98-90 in the Embassy Suites Boca Raton Invitational.

The loss snapped a six game winning streak for the WSSU Rams who fall to 7-2, while Barry improves to 8-1.

The WSSU Rams started the game hot and had Barry on their heels through much of the first half, and even held a 10 point lead (23-13) with 13 minutes to play in the first half.

But the Bucs made a strong push in the final 10 minutes of the half, and used a 25 to 12 run over the final six minutes of the half to take a 54-43 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Rams came out after the half and the hot shooting continued, but the Rams could not make any inroads into cutting into the double digit lead through the 10 minutes of the second half.

But the defensive effort would not subside, and eventually the Rams began to chip away at the Bucs advantage.

A jumper from Donta Harper, followed by a Terrell Leach 3-pointer with 4:24 left cut the lead to six points, but unfortunately, that would be as close as the Rams would get, as the Rams would fall 98-90 to Barry University.

WSSU made a season high 15 three pointers, but managed only 12 free throws, making nine, while Barry University converted 26 of 29 free throws on the evening.

Winston-Salem State was led in scoring by Javan Wells, who finished with 22 points and five rebounds, and Marquez Jones finished with 19 points and six assists. Terrell Leach came off the bench to add 16 points, and Donta Harper added 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. WyKevin Bazemore picked up another double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Stacy Caroway chipped in eight points coming off the bench.

Barry was led by Yunio Barrueta who finished with a game high 26 points, to go with 10 rebounds, while Anders Haas finished with 21 points. Deric Hill added 13 points and 11 assists and Adrian Gonzalez added 12 points for the Buccaneers.

The Rams will take off for Christams, before opening CIAA play on Jan. 3 at The Lincoln University and will follow that up at Bowie State on Jan. 5 before returning home to play Virginia State on Jan. 8 at the CE Gaines Center.