WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem State University Rams (11-14, 6-8 CIAA) utilized a big second half effort to claim a 57-47 win over the Shaw Lady Bears (6-17, 2-12 CIAA), Monday evening. After struggling for much of the first half, the Rams utilized a big defensive effort in the second half to claim the win.

As a team, the Rams struggled to make shots, but their defensive effort proved to be enough for the team to claim the victory. As a team, the Rams shot a solid 38.5% (20-of-52) from the floor. WSSU sophomore guard Melody Prichard and sophomore forward O'Shea Hatley both scored 14 points to lead the way for the Rams. Hatley also added nine rebounds in the game.

The Rams had a hard time finding their way in the first half. After managing just six first quarter points and falling behind, 15-6 at the end of the first quarter, the Rams had an improved second quarter performance, outscoring the Lady Bears 16-13 in the second quarter. The Rams closed the quarter with a 6-2 run that was capped by a three-pointer from junior guard Teara Johnson with 00:41 left to play and followed by a free throw from senior guard Taylor Daniels to take a 28-22 deficit into the locker room at halftime.

The second half told a better story for the Rams as the team outscored the Lady Bears in both the third and fourth quarters. The Rams closed the gap during the quarter when they went on an 11-0 run to go ahead 41-36 at the end of the quarter. During the run Hatley was especially impressive as she tied the game and put the Rams ahead with back-to-back lay-ups with just under three minutes left to play in the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Rams pulled away from the Lady Bears. A lay-up from Johnson pushed the Rams' lead to double digits, 53-42, with 2:25 left in the game. From there, the Rams never let up and cruised to the win.

With the win, the Rams snap a four-game skid. The team will return to action, Saturday when they head to Fayetteville, N.C. to take on the Fayetteville State Broncos. For more information on Rams women's basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.