WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Terrell Leach scored a game high 22 points, and the Rams built a big lead late, and were able to hold on to secure a 93-85 CIAA win over Elizabeth City State on Monday night at the CE Gaines Center.

The win improves WSSU's record to 9-5 overall and 2-3 in the CIAA. Elizabeth City State falls to 9-10 overall and 2-4 in the CIAA.

Elizabeth City State jumped out to an early lead, and carried that lead all the way to the 9:03 mark, when two free throws by The Rams' Javan Wells, gave WSSU the lead at 29-28.

Winston-Salem State would seize control and push the lead out to six points at 41-35 with 2:32 before the half. The Rams would eventually take a 44-39 lead into the locker room.

The Rams began the second half hot, scoring on their first eight possessions, and pushing their lead to 14 points by the first media timeout.

But Elizabeth City State would not go away easily, and used a 12-4 run of their own to cut into the WSSU lead, and were able to get it down to six points, at 66-60 with 11 minutes remaining.

Donta Harper would score six consecutive points on made free throws, and Javan Wells would hit a three pointer to ge the Rams lead back to a game high 15 points.

The Vikings had one last run remaining in them, and with 2:18 left to play, cut the Rams' lead to three, at 87-84.

Winston-Salem State would convert from the free throw line, making six over the last two minutes to seal the game and secure the 93-85 win.

The Rams also broke out of their shooting woes, as they shot 53% from the floor and 40% from behind the three point arc. WSSU also converted 31 of 41 free throws on the evening.

Winston-Salem State was led in scoring by redshirt-freshman, Terrell Leach, who scored 22 points to go with two rebounds. Donta Harper added 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot. Javan Wells chipped in 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, and CJ Ford added 10 points, six rebounds and five assists. WyKevin Bazemore added nine points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and a steal. Kerry Campbell scored eight points and Muhammad Tijani scored five points. Marquez Jones finished with four points.

Elizabeth City State was led by Darrell Ward who scored 17 points to go with five rebounds, while Miykael Faulcon added 16 points and four rebounds. Kentrell Key came off the bench to add 12 points and five rebounds. Brachon Griffin, Glenn Patterson and DeCarlos Anderson each added eight points for the Vikings.

Winston-Salem State will host the Falcons of St. Augustine's University on Saturday, at 4:00 pm.

The WSSU Department of Athletics will also celebrate Earl "The Pearl" Monroe Legacy Weekend this weekend.

The Alumni All-Star basketball game will be Friday night at 7:00 pm in the CE Gaines Center. The Legacy honorees will be recognized at halftime of the men's game.