ETTRICK, VA. – Winston-Salem State could not close a late Trojan lead, and would fall to Virginia State University, 84-75, Thursday night at Daniel Gym on the VSU campus in Ettrick, Va.

The loss drops the Winston-Salem State Rams to 6-7 overall, 0-2 in the CIAA. Virginia State improves to 9-3 overall, and 4-0 in the CIAA.

Led the 3-point shot, the Virginia State Trojans started fast, jumping out to an early 11-3 lead over the visiting WSSU Rams.

The Rams would rally and chip away at the Trojan lead, led by Terrell Leach, Carlos Rankins and TJ Wilson, who would knock down free throws.

VSU would once again push their lead out to double digits at 23-10, but Winston-Salem State would go on a massive 29-13 run to close the half and take a one point lead, 39-38, into the locker room at halftime.

Much of the second half was a back and forth battle, with each team moving out in front, but unable to pull away from the other.

Virginia State began to separate from the WSSU Rams with 3:30 left to play, when the Trojans went out in front by seven points, at 72-65.

WSSU would get to within six points at 78-72 after three free throws from Terrell Leach, but that would be as close as the Rams would get, and the VSU Trojans would go on to a 84-75 win.

Winston-Salem State was led in scoring by Terrell Leach, who finished with 18 points to go with five rebounds and two steals. Carlos Rankins went for 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Keith Armstrong added 11 points, eight rebounds and one blocked shot. TJ Wilson chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, two steals, one assist and one blocked shot. Robert Story added nine points and Rayvon Harris finished with six points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and one steal.

The Virginia State Trojans were in scoring by Elijah Moore, who finished with a game-high 21 points, six rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot. Waymond Wright added 17 points.