WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Winston-Salem State had five players to score in double figures, and outrebounded University of Charleston (WV), as the Rams picked up their first win of the season with a 75-66 win in the CE Gaines Center on the final day of the CIAA-Mountain East Challenge.

With the victory, WSSU improves to 1-1 on the young season, while the University of Charleston, falls to 1-1.

After falling behind 7-2 early, the WSUS Rams picked things up and took their first lead of the game, 10-9 on a Carlos Rankins lay in. The game would go back and forth for several minutes before the Rams jumped out to a three points lead at 17-14, with 9:27 left, on a Jerome Simmons layup.

WSSU surged ahead 27-20 on a CJ Ford put back with 3:08 to play in the first half, but the Golden Eagles came right back and retook the lead on a made three with 54 seconds on the clock.

WSSU's Jerome Simmons would sink two free throws with 15 seconds to go to give the Rams a 31-30 lead they would take into the locker room at the half.

The second half would play out much like the first, with the University of Charleston jumping back out in front and opening up an eight point lead with 10:44 left to play.

That's when WSSU ramped up their defensive pressure, and began to chip away at the Golden Eagle advantage.

Two free throws and a layup from Keith Armstrong, three pointers from Rayvon Harris and Demone Harrison gave the lead back to the Rams. With 7:50 to play.

Winston-Salem State would go on a 11-1 run to pull ahead 65-56 with 2:50 to play. It's a lead the Rams would maintain and stretch out to 12 points at 72-60 with 48 second remaining on two CJ Ford free throws.

Winston-Salem State's clutch shooting and free throw shooting down the stretch sealed the win for James Wilhelmi and his WSSU Rams.

WSSU was led in scoring by Rayvon Harris who scored 15 points and pulled down seven rebounds. CJ Ford added 12 points and six rebounds, and Carlos Rankins also added 12 points and three rebounds. Demone Harrison finished with 11 points, and Jerome Simmons chipped in 10 points and pulled down four rebounds to go with two blocked shots. Keith Armstrong scored eight points and had seven rebounds.

Winston-Salem State will be back in action on Tuesday night, when they host the #13 UNC Pembroke Braves at 7:00pm in the CE Gaines Center.