RICHMOND, VA – The Winston-Salem State Rams fell behind early and could not overcome the second half deficit, as they would fall to the Virginia Union Panthers 80-70 at Barco-Stevens Hall on the Virginia Union campus in Richmond, VA.

With the loss, Winston-Salem State falls to 13-7 overall and 6-5 in the CIAA. Virginia Union improves to 7-15 overall and 3-9 in the CIAA.

WSSU fell behind early, as Virginia Union was able to find its rhythm, and jumped out to a 11-5 lead by the first media timeout.

The Rams would cut into the lead by a layup from CJ Ford and a dunk from Donta Harper and a layup from Jordan Davis.

But Virginia Union would outscore the WSSU Rams 24-15 over the rest of the half to take a 37-26 lead into the locker room at the half.

Winston-Salem State would return the run to start the second half, outscoring the Panthers 14-9 through the first minutes to get within six, at 46-40 at the under 15 media timeout.

The Rams would keep the pressure on Virginia Union, as they would come all the back and tie the game at 53-53 with 11:35 left to play.

The Panthers would retake control and push the lead back out to nine points with 5:09 left to play, but the WSSU Rams were not going to go down easy.

WSSU would battle back once again, and would tie the game at 67-67 on a WyKevin Bazemore layup.

Virginia Union would outscore WSSU 13-3 over the lasy three minutes to take the 80-70 victory over the Rams.

The Rams had a bad shooting night from the free throw line, making just six of 17 attempts (35%).

WSSU was led in scoring by WyKevin Bazemore, who finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and a blocked shot. Donta Harper added 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal. Terrell Leach chipped in nine points, five rebounds, four assists and steal, while Marquez Jones finished with seven points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal. Quinton Alton added five points and three rebounds.

Virginia Union was led by Avery Jirmnson, who scored 24 points to go with seven rebounds, three assists, one blocked shot and a steal. D'Andre Bullard added 17 points, three assists, two assists and a blocked shot. Ray Anderson finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Colton Lewis chipped in 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot.