ELIZABETH CITY, NC – Winston-Salem State battled back from a 15 point halftime deficit, but their late rally came up just short, as the Rams dropped a heartbreaking 70-69 decision to Elizabeth City State Monday night at the RL Vaughn Center.

The loss drops Winston-Salem State to 6-9 overall and 0-4 in the CIAA, while Elizabeth City State improves to 7-6 overall and 4-2 in the CIAA.

Down by 15 at the half, WSSU started the second stanza hot, and immediately started chipping away at the Vikings lead.

Trailing by 12 with 10 minutes remaining, WSSU would go on a 14-3 run over the next five minutes to pull within one point at 60-59.

Winston-Salem State managed to surge ahead 69-68 with 15 second left to play on a Keith Armstrong inside score, before Elizabeth City would take the lead back on two free throws with 7.5 second remaining.

But the Rams faltered on the inbounds pass and turned the ball over, thus giving the Elizabeth city State Vikings the 70-69 win.

Winston-Salem State was led in scoring by Keith Armstrong who finished with 18 points, to go with nine rebounds and one steal. Terrell Leach added 11 points, five rebounds and three steals, and William Crandell also added 11 points and two rebounds. Carlos Rankins added 10 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists.  TJ Wilson chipped in eight points and five rebounds.

Elizabeth City State was led by DeCarlos Anderson and Miykael Faulcon who each scored 19 points. Faulcon also added four rebounds and three steals.

Winston-Salem State University will return to the CE Gaines on Wednesday, when the Rams will host the Bowie State Bulldogs at 7:30pm.