WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Winston-Salem State's Javan Wells scored a game high 19 points to lead three Rams in double figures, as WSSU knocked down free throws down the stretch to secure a 61-58 win over Virginia State University on Thursday night at the CE Gaines Center.

With the win Winston-Salem State improves to 8-4 overall and 1-2 in the CIAA. Virginia State falls to 8-5 overall and 2-2 in the CIAA.

The Virginia State Trojans scored the first basket of the game, but it was the Rams who took early control of the contest, as WSSU would use a 15-6 run to take a 15-8 lead with 14:06 on the clock.

The Trojans would battle back to tie the game at 20-20, and even took a 22-20 lead before the Rams would go on another run of 10-5 to close out the first half and take a 30-27 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Winston-Salem State would lose its lead early, but a basket from WyKevin Bazemore would give the lead back to the Rams who would keep the Trojans at bay until the 7:49 mark, when Amiel Terry would hit a jumper to give the lead back to Virginia State.

But what was a sore spot for the Rams on their recent road trip, became a good thing coming down the stretch, as the Rams connected on 10 of 11 free throws in crunch time. The WSSU Rams were able to hold off the Trojans and come away with a 61-58 win.

Winston-Salem State was led by Javan Wells who finished with a game-high 19 points, while he also collected three rebounds and two blocked shots. Terrell leach scored 15 points, pulled down four rebounds, three assists and a steal. CJ Ford finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and an assist. Donta Harper added seven points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots. WyKevin Bazemore chipped in four points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Virginia State was led by Tyrece Little, who finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and a blocked shot. Xavier Parham added 10 points, while Elijah Moore added eight points and five rebounds.

Winston-Salem State will continue their homestand on Saturday afternoon, when they will host the Hawks of Chowan at 4:00pm in the CE Gaines Center.