CHARLOTTE, NC – Winston-Salem State battled but could not overcome a late deficit, as the Rams fell to the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls, 81-78, Wednesday night at Brayboy Gym on the JCSU campus.

With the loss, the WSSU Rams fall to 12-6 overall, 5-4 in the CIAA and 3-1 in the Southern Division. Johnson C. Smith improves to 10-11 overall, 4-6 in the CIAA and 1-3 in the Southern Division.

WSSU started the game on fire, as WyKevin Bazemore made two free throws, Javan Wells made a three, and Terrell Leach made back to back threes to give the Rams an early 11-0 lead.

The Golden Bulls would work their way back into the game, but for the majority of the first half, the WSSU Rams maintained control of the contest and kept Johnson C. Smith at bay.

The Rams would increase their lead back to 10 points, at 36-26, when CJ Ford picked a Golden Bulls pocket, and streaked down court for a breakaway two-handed slam dunk.

JCSU would finish the half on a 7-2 run, and a a dunk at the buzzer pulled them to within five points, at 38-35, heading into the break.

Winston-Salem State began the second half on their heels, as JC Smith started hot, scoring on their first seven possessions and would take the lead, 42-40.

The Golden Bulls would keep the pressure on the WSSU Rams and by the 6:05 mark, had built a 10 point lead.

But the Rams would not go down easy, and would stay within striking distance, and with 46 seconds left, Javan Wells would hit a three pointer to cut the JCSU lead to one point, 77-76.

Johnson C. Smith would maintain the small lead, knocking down key free throws.

Winston-Salem State would have once last chance, but Donta Harper had to launch a shot from near half court over two Golden Bull defenders, and the shot would come up short, and the WSSU Rams ould fall 81-78.

Johnson C. Smith shot a blistering 65% from the floor in the second half, and 50% for the game, as compared to just 44% for the Rams. JCSU also outscored the Rams 51-38 in points in the paint.

Winston-Salem State was led in scoring by WyKevin Bazemore, who scored 18 points to go with four rebounds, an assist and a steal.  Javan Wells added 15 points and two rebounds. Donta Harper score 14 points, pulled down seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a blocked shot. Terrell Leach chipped in 10 point; Marquez Jones added eight points and CJ Ford finished with six points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Kerry Campbell had four points and Jordan Davis added three points.

Johnson C. Smith was led by Robert Davis III, who scored a game high 19 points, while Stedmon Lemon added 18 points. Markell Lotharp finished with 12 points and six rebounds, and Diondre Pratt added 11 points and eight rebounds.

The WSSU Rams will return home Saturday to host the Livingstone Blue Bears at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 pm.