WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Winston-Salem State rallied from a seven point halftime deficit to pull off a thrilling 66-64 win over CIAA Southern Division rival, Fayetteville State University, Monday evening at the CE Gaines Center.

With the victory, Winston-Salem State improves to 8-11 overall, 2-6 in the CIAA and 2-1 in the Southern Division. Fayetteville State falls to 8-10 overall, 3-6 in the CIAA, and 1-2 in the division.

The Fayetteville State Broncos started the game on fire, but the WSSU Rams settled down and worked their way back into the contest, down four, 12-8, at the 13:22 mark.

The Broncos would then use an 11-0 run to take control of the game, and push their lead back to double digits.

Trailing 32-17 with 6:20 remaining in the first half, Winston-Salem State dug in once again on the defensive end, and used a 15-5 run over the final few minutes to cut the lead to 37-30 heading into the locker room at the half.

The Rams reversed their start at the beginning of the second half, and used a 19-10 run to tie the game at 47-47 at the 12:27 mark.

Coming down the stretch of a tight game, CJ Ford hit a big 3-pointer to pull the Rams to within one at 63-62, and TJ Wilson gave the Rams the lead with two free throws with 30 seconds left to play.

TJ Wilson would come through again, with time running out, as he hit a baseline jumper to give WSSU a three point lead at 66-63 with 30 seconds left to play.

Fayetteville State would go to the free throw line, where they would make the first, but miss the second free throw and the Rams Keith Armstrong would be fouled on the rebound.

Armstrong was off target on his first free throw attempt in the bonus giving the Broncos the ball on a held possession with four seconds on the clock, trailing 66-64.

Winston-Salem State's TJ Wilson would come up with the steal the ball on the inbounds and allowed the Rams to run off the last few seconds for the comeback win.

"It took a great team effort to beat a very well coached Fayetteville State team tonight", said James Wilhelmi, WSSU head coach. "Guys like Ray Harris and TJ Wilson really stepped up and made some big plays for us.  We are looking forward to taking in a very good JCSU team on Wednesday night.  We hope to see everyone back in the Gaines Center for another great CIAA matchup", added Wilhelmi.

Winston-Salem State was led in scoring by senior, CJ Ford, who finished with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. TJ Wilson came up big and finished with a double-double, going to 11 points, 10 rebounds, six steals, one assist and one blocked shot. Rayvon Harris added 10 points, eight rebounds, one steal and one assist. Keith Armstrong chipped in nine points and six rebounds.

Carl McCray led the FSU Broncos with 14 points, while William Tibbs added 12 points and seven rebounds and Michael Tyson finished with 12 points and three rebounds.

Winston-Salem State University will return to the CE Gaines Center on Wednesday night, when the Rams host rivals, the Johnson C.  Smith Golden Bulls at 7:30pm.