SALISBURY, NC – Winston-Salem State outscored Livingstone 9-7 in the overtime period, as the Rams came away with a 81-79 win over the Blue Bears in New Trent Gym on Saturday in Salisbury, NC.

The win coupled with a loss from Johnson C. Smith, propelled the Rams into first place in the CIAA's Southern Division. WSSU improves to 10-11 overall, 4-6 in the CIAA and 4-1 in the Division. Livingstone falls to 8-14 overall, 3-7 in the CIAA and 1-4 in the Division.

The Winston-Salem State Rams started fast, jumping out to a quick 4-0 lead, behind baskets by Keith Armstrong and Rayvon Harris, and quickly gained control of the contest.

WSSU missed just two shots through first eight minutes, as they would race out to a seven point advantage by midway through the first half, 21-14.

The Rams would extend their lead to 10 points three different times in the half, before the Blue Bears cut the WSSU lead to six points at the half, 37-31.

The WSSU Rams shot lights out in the first half, shooting 71% (15 of 21) from the floor, but allow Livingstone back into the game by committing 12 turnovers.

The home team, Livingstone College, came out in the second half on fire and by the 17:32 mark had cut the WSSU lead to one point, at 41-40.

But the Rams would refocus, and with 10:14 on the clock, had built their lead back to 10 points, 56-46, using at 15-6 run.

In typical WSSU-Livingstone recent basketball history, the game would be far from over.

With one minute left in the game, TJ Wilson would hit a jumper to extend the Rams lead to seven points, but the blue Bears would use a timely 9-2 over the final minute, including a Ty Newman floater in the paint to tie the game and send it to overtime.

Livingstone would take their first lead of the game early in the extra period, and held a three point advantage with 1:50 to play.

CJ Ford would hit a jumper with 52 seconds remaining, and TJ Wilson would hit a driving layup with :20 to put the Rams back on top, 80-79.

Jamel McAllister would hit one of two free throws with two seconds left to seal the big road win for Winston-Salem State.

Winston-Salem State was led in scoring by Rayvon Harris, who finished with 21 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot. Terrell Leach added 17 points and five rebounds, and TJ Wilson and William Crandell chipped in 13 points each. Wilson also added six rebounds, four assists, two blocked shots and a steal. Crandell also pulled down two rebounds. Keith Armstrong added nine points, five rebounds and two assists for the Rams.

Livingstone was led by Ty Newman, who finished with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. Eric Dubose added 18 points, five assists, five steal and four rebounds, and Nasir Austin scored 12 points and added 13 rebounds.

Winston-Salem State University will return to the CE Gaines on Monday night, as the Rams host the Panthers of Virginia Union. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Stat Sheet
Winston-Salem State's win was their first since 2012 at New Trent Gym on the Livingstone campus.

Tip-Ins
The WSSU Rams shot a season high 62% from the floor.