UNCASVILLE, CT– The Winston-Salem State University men's basketball team finished 2024 with a win over Benedict College 62-59, inside the Mohegan Sun Arena. 

 The Rams improved to (2-7, 0-0 CIAA) on the season.

Micah Jones was named to the All-Tournament Team after leading the Rams with 19 points, followed by Lorenzo Caldwell with a double-double 12 points and 10 rebounds. 

Quick Inside the Numbers
The Rams went 21-of-58 from the field, 16-of-27 from the free-throw line, and 4-of–20 from three. The Rams grabbed 46 rebounds, and scored 24 points in the paint, 20 second chance points, 10 points off turnovers, 11 turnovers, and 12 bench points.

How It Happened 
In the first half, Tyre Boykin gave the Rams a 9-6 lead on a jumper (16:38). With the game tied at 11-11, Micah Jones hit a three-pointer putting the Rams ahead 14-11 (13:50). A Masuan Moore-Byant lay-up made the score 20-18 (9:09). Micah Jones extended the lead to 25-22 on a jumper (6:37). The Tigers cut the score to 27-26 on a lay-up (5:04). The Rams closed out the half on a 12-3 run, taking a 39-29 lead into halftime. 

In the second half, a Lorenzo Caldwell jumper pushed the score to 45-34 (17:50), forcing the Tigers to call a timeout. The Tigers went on a 9-0 run, cutting the score to 49-45 (12:32). A Lance Gill three-pointer pushed the lead back out to seven points 54-47 (9:32). Benedict answered back with a 5-0 run, making the score 54-52 Rams (7:52). Micah Jones knocked down a three-pointer, making the score 59-52 3:18 to play. The Tigers went on a 5-1 run, cutting the Rams lead down 60-59 with 1:13 to play.  Two Micah Jones free-throws gave the Rams a 62-59 lead. The Tigers missed the game-tying three-pointer. 

Up Next
The men will begin 2025 on the road traveling to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, on Saturday, January 4th taking on Elizabeth City State. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.