LINCOLN, PA – Winston-Salem State could not overcome a poor free throw shooting night, and had only two players score in double figures, as the Rams fell victim to the Lions of The Lincoln University, 78-76 Saturday night.

With the loss, WSSU falls to 7-3 overall and 0-1 in the CIAA, while Lincoln improves to 8-4 overall and 2-0 in the CIAA.

The game was a back and forth battle at the start, with neither team being able to put any distance them and the opposition.

WSSU's Javan Wells would sink a three pointer with 15:36 on the clock to give the Rams a 10-8. They would extend that lead to 10 points, at 25-15 after a Donta Harper inside score, with 9:00 to play in the first half.

A 15-8 by the Lincoln Lions would pull them back to within two points at 32-30 with 4:35 left in the first half.

After the Lions would tie the score at 32, the Rams would run off five quick points to go up 39-34. 

WSSU would hold off the Lions over the last 1:40, and take a 39-36 lead into halftime.

Lincoln started the second half hot, and quickly erased WSSU's halftime advantage, and with 14:36 left to play, the Rams went down four points 47-43 with 15:22 left in second half.

Once again the game would go back and forth, and WyKevin Bazemore would tie the game, 49-49 with 12:39 left in the game.

With 11:50 left an alley-oop slam from Terrell Leach tied the game again at 51-51.

The Rams would retake the lead on two CJ Ford free throw, and a breakaway slam from Donta Harper would give WSSU a 57-54 lead.

The Lions would battle back and outscore WSSU 14-11 over the next six minutes to tie the game at 68-68.

Coming down the final stretch run, Lincoln would convert their free throw attempts, but a Terrell Leach three pointer with 4 seconds remaining would not get the Rams closer, as they would fall 76-74.

The Rams' Achilles heel in the game came from the free throw line, where they shot 57%, making just 19 of 33 attempts. WSSU was also outrebounded in the game, 33 to 25.

Winston-Salem State also made just five of 13 three point attempts in the game.

Winston-Salem State was led in scoring by Marquez Jones, who finished with 21 points and six assists, while Stacy Caroway added 11 points four rebounds and three assists. Terrell Leach came off the bench to add nine points and two assists, and Javan Wells added eight points. Donta Harper also added eight points and five rebounds, and CJ Ford finished with seven points and three assists. WyKevin Bazemore chipped in six points and a team high seven rebounds.

Lincoln University was led by Quaman Burton, who scored 17 points to go with four rebounds, and Alonza Murphy added 16 points and seven rebounds. Jordan Watson and Chaz Sharp each finished with 10 points.

The team will remain on the road for their next action as they will head to Bowie State, Monday evening. For more information on WSSU Rams basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2152 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.