WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University men's basketball team cruised past St. Augustine's in a 76-56 victory to begin divisional play inside the C.E. Gaines Center.

The Rams improved to 12-4 (4-3 CIAA), while the Falcons moved to 5-9 (2-4 CIAA).

Samage Teel led all scorers with 21 points, while Jaylon Gibson added 18 points and nine rebounds. Isaac Parson and Jaylen Alston scored 12 points each. Jaylen Alston was also perfect from the line going 4-for-4.

After a slow start, the Rams got into gear around the 12-minute mark leading by two (7-5) they went up nine after Samage Teel hit a three with 6 minutes to play in the half. Jaylen Alston hit a jumper and Jaylon Gibson hit a huge three to give the Rams a 25-10 lead at the under-four media timeout. The Rams went into halftime leading by 18, 30-12.

Out of the half WSSU increased their lead to 19, 33-14 on a pair of made free throws from Isaac Parson. With 12:21 left to play the Falcons cut into the Ram's lead trailing by ten, 39-29. A three from Samage Teel, a made free throw from Jaylin Parker, and a three from Xavier Fennell put the Rams up 13, 48-35 with 10 minutes remaining in the game. A few defensive stops and turnovers led to the
Rams leading by 21, 70-49 going into the last media timeout. WSSU secured the victory with a 20-point lead.

Winston is back in action on Wednesday, January 18 taking on Claflin in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m.