Box Score WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Winston-Salem State overcame a sluggish start and a 17 point first half deficit to slip past the Elizabeth City State Vikings, 73-68 in overtime Saturday at the CE Gaines Center.
With the win, Winston-Salem State improves to 2-2 overall, while Elizabeth City State falls to 1-2 on the season.
The WSSU Rams fell behind big early, as they could not find the range, missing their first 13 shots. Their saving grace was their free throw shooting that kept them in the game until they could start making baskets.
Trailing 23-8, a steal and subsequent layup by Carlos Rankins, finally got the Rams their first field goal, and their commitment on the defensive end, kept the team within striking distance.
Winston-Salem State would finish off the first half on a 12-3 run to pull within four points at the half, 26-22.
Early in the second half, WSSU would take their first lead of game on a three pointer from Demone Harrison, but the visiting Vikings seemed to have an answer for anything the Rams threw at them.
Midway through the second half, ECSU would go back up by double digits, 46-35, before the Rams would call a time out to readjust their strategy.
Once again, WSSU would rely on their defense and rebounding to get them back into the game, and would finish off regulation with a 15-8 run to the lead at 56-54 with 1:18 remaining.
Both teams converted free throws down the stretch and at the buzzer, the game would be tied at 58-58 and headed to overtime.
Winston-Salem State would outscore ECSU 15-10 in the extra period, and the Rams' Jamel McAllister would knock down a big three pointer with 1:13 remaining to give WSSU the lead for good in overtime.
Demone Harrison would sink two free throws with four seconds left to give WSSU their final points, and secure a 73-68 win for the Rams.
Rayvon Harris led the Rams with 15 points, seven rebounds and two steals, while Keith Armstrong added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. TJ Wilson had a strong game off the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Demone Harrison scored 13 points, and Carlos Rankins chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Elizabeth City State was led in scoring by DeCarlos Anderson, who scored a game high 21 points. Miykael Faulcon added 15 points, and Clayton Cowell chipped in 10 points.
Winston-Salem State will wrap up their five game home stand to start the season, and returns to action on Tuesday, November 24th, when the Rams host the Hornets of Morris College at 7:00pm in the CE Gaines Center.
