WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Terrell Leach scored a game-high 15 points, but it wasn't enough as the Rams could not overcome a sluggish start, and fell to the visiting Lincoln University Lions 67-60 Monday night in the CIAA opener for Winston-Salem State at the CE Gaines Center.

The loss drops the WSSU Rams to 6-6 overall and 0-1 in the CIAA, while The Lincoln University improves to 3-10 overall and 1-2 in the CIAA.

The WSSU Rams started sluggishly, and fell behind early, 8-1, before using a 12-4 run to take the lead at 13-12 with 9:18 to play in the first half.

The Lincoln Lions responded strong with a 19-7 run of their own to retake the lead, and extend it to 11 points at 31-20.

Winston-Salem State managed to cut the Lions lead to seven points by the half on two Keith Armstrong free throws and a 3-pointer from TJ Wilson.

The Lincoln lions would take a 32-25 lead into halftime.

Lincoln would extend their lead in the early portion of the second half, and the WSSU would respond each time, trying to keep the score within striking distance.

The Rams would fall behind by 12 points with 5:25 left to play at 51-39, and over the next three minutes struggled to cut into the Lions lead.

In the final minute, Terrell Leach tried to bring the Rams back by himself, hitting three consecutive 3-pointers,  but the Lions would go to the free throw line each time and came away perfect.

Terrell Leach led the Rams in scoring, dropping in a game-high 15 points, to go with four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Carlos Rankins added 12 points, three steals, two rebounds and an assist. Keith Armstrong finished with nine points and four rebounds, while TJ Wilson added eight points, three rebounds and two assists. Demone Harrison chipped in seven points, three rebounds and two assists. Rayvon Harris added five points, three rebounds and three assists.

Winston-Salem State will hit the road for their longest road trip of the season, with the next three CIAA conference games in five days, as the Rams visit Virginia State (1/7), Chowan (1/9) and Elizabeth City State (1/11).

Stat Sheet
Winston-Salem State shot 50% from the free throw line, going 10 of 20, while Lincoln shot 79%, making 19 of 24, including 14 of 16 free throws down the stretch.