WINSTON-SALEM, NC  – The Winston-Salem State battled all night long, but could not erase a 10 point halftime deficit, as the Rams dropped their season opener, 83-79 to Concord University in the CIAA-Mountain East Conference Challenge.

The Concord Mountain Lions of the Mountain East Conference jumped out early on the WSSU Rams, 8-2, but another 13-7 run pushed their lead to 21-9 over the Rams at the under 10 media timeout.

The Mountain Lions would increase their lead to 19 points with 6:17 on the clock in the first half, 38-19.

The WSSU Rams would rally in the final moment of the half, and with 1:17 to play before halftime, and cut the lead down to nine points at 42-31 on a Demone Harrison free throw. CJ Ford would score on a layup with 30 second left, but Concord would take a 45-35 lead into halftime.

The second half began with both teams trading baskets, and the WSSU Rams could not seem to trim the lead, but their defensive effort would increase, and kept them within striking distance.

With 10:21 left to play, WSSU cut the lead down to just six points at 59-53 after back to back baskets from Jerome Simmons and CJ Ford.

WSSU made a furious late rally and eventually cut the lead to five at 75-70 on two Demone Harrison free throws. CJ Ford would get the Rams closer at 76-72 on a made layup, but the Mountain Lions would convert free throws down the stretch to keep the home standing Rams at bay.

The Rams Demone Harrison got WSSU to within two points at 81-79, after making five straight points. But two free throws from Concord's Rob Reed with four seconds remaining, would seal the game for the visiting team, 83-79.

Winston-Salem State was led in scoring by Demone Harrison, who finished with a game high 21 points, while CJ Ford added 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Rayvon Harris finished with eight points, six rebounds, two steals, one assist and one blocked shot.  TJ Wilson chipped in seven points and two rebounds, and Carlos Rankins and Keith Armstrong finished with six points each. Armstrong also added a team high nine rebounds.

Concord was led by Rob Reed who scored 20 points, while Michael Sanchez added 18 points and seven assists. Aaron Miller finished with 15 points and two rebounds, and Jametrius Wade added 11 points and four rebounds. Terry Hopewell pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds to go with six points.

Winston-Salem State will close out the CIAA-MEC Challenge on Saturday night when they host the University of Charleston at 7:00pm in the CE Gaines Center.