ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Winston-Salem State University battled back from a five point halftime deficit, but their rally came up just short, as the Rams fell to Claflin University 81-77 in a non-conference game in Orangeburg, S.C.

The loss drop WSSU to 6-5 overall, as the Rams wrap up the non-conference portion of their schedule. Claflin improves to 5-7.

Winston-Salem State led 13-4 early, on the hot shooting of Terrell Leach and free throw shooting of Rayvon Harris, before Claflin would use a 17-8 run, tying the game at 20-20 with 10:29 left in the first half.

The contest would be tied twice over the next three minutes, before Claflin would surge ahead and take their first lead of the game at 26-25.

Five lead changes later, Claflin would hit a 3-pointer, to go back out in front, 34-32. The Panthers would maintain the advantage by outscoring the Rams 7-4 the rest of the half, and would take a 41-36 lead into the locker room at the intermission.

Clafin started the second half on fire and by the 16:29 mark, had increased their lead to nine at 49-40.

But the Rams would answer with a 12-2 run over the next four minutes to take a 52-21 lead on a C.J. Ford jump shot.

The Panthers would go back out in front, but the Rams would remain within striking distance.  But with 1:44 left in the game, Claflin broke a 70-70 tie with a basket, putting them ahead for good at 72-70. 

The Panthers sealed the win by connecting on nine-of-14 free throws in final 1:12 minutes to secure the 81-77 win.

The WSSU Rams were led in scoring by Demone Harrison who finished with a game-high 23 points to go with three assists and one rebound, and Terrell Leach added 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one blocked shot.  C.J. Ford chipped in 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal, while Jerome Simmons added six points and seven rebounds. Rayvon Harris finished with six points and seven rebounds and Keith Armstrong added four points and six rebounds.

Winston-Salem State will begin CIAA play on Monday night at 7:30pm when the Rams host The Lincoln University at the CE Gaines Gaines Center.