Box Score ORANGEBURG, N.C. - Winston-Salem State survived a furious Claflin rally in the game's final four minutes to claim an 82-76 win on the road. It's the fifth straight win for the Rams and the 10th win in the last 11 games. 'SU improved to 16-5 overall, 10-3 in CIAA play, and 6-1 in the Southern Division.
The Rams held a 78-60 lead with 3:56 remaining in the game before Claflin began its rally. 'SU hit only one shot in the game's final 2:55, but the Panthers couldn't overcome their huge deficit.
WSSU held a 41-34 halftime advantage in a game that featured five ties and seven lead changes in the early going. The Rams started the second half on a 22-8 run that built the lead to 21 points with 11:54 to play on Cameron Campbell's layup. Javonte Cooke scored 10 of his game-high 26 points during the run.
Cooke's blistering offensive performance included hitting 9-12 shots, 2-3 from the three-point line, and 6-8 at the free-throw line. Campbell and Isaac Parson were also hot offensively with each hitting 5-8 from the floor and 4-4 at the free-throw line for 15 points. Shamon Jackson hit 4-6 field goals and finished with eight points. Hicklin led the Rams with nine rebounds and four assists.
The Rams were 29-53 from the floor for 54.7% and enjoyed one of their best free throw percentages of the season, connecting on 19-24 for 79.2%. 'SU led in rebounding 40-31 and scored 18 points off 12 Panthers turnovers. WSSU had a 44-36 advantage in points in the paint and led in fast breakpoints, 17-12.
WSSU took control of the game in the final 3:16 of the first half. Hicklin had three big defensive rebounds and Cooke scored the Rams last nine points of the half. Jackson's layup six seconds into the second half and a Hicklin layup with 19:27 to play started the WSSU rally that led to the 21-point lead.
The Rams return to the C.E. Gaines Center on Saturday for a key Southern Division game against Fayetteville State. The tipoff is scheduled for approximately 4 p.m. The game can be heard on WSNC 90.5 FM and will be live-streamed on the WSSU/CIAA Sports Network. It's Blackout Saturday, and all fans must provide proof of a Covid test within 72 hours of game time.
