WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- The Winston-Salem State University men's basketball team will open their 2025-26 campaign, traveling to Ettrick, Virginia participating in the PSAC/CIAA Conference Challenge. First the Rams will take on East Stroudsburg University, on Friday, November 14th tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. 

The Rams will be back in action on Saturday, November 15th, taking on Shepherd University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. All games will be held inside the Multipurpose Center.   

Things to Know East Stroudsburg University 
Location: Ettrick,V.A. (Multipurpose Center)
Date/Time: Friday, November 14th |5:00 p.m. 
Media: Watch/Live Stats

Things to Know Shepherd University 
Location: Ettrick,V.A. (Multipurpose Center)
Date/Time: Saturday, November 15th |5:00 p.m. 
Media: Watch/Live Stats


Series Information vs.East Stroudsburg University 
This will be the first-ever meeting between the Rams and Warriors. 

Series Information vs.Shepherd University 
Since 2013 this will be the 3rd meeting between the Rams and Shepherd. Last time, Shepherd defeated the Rams 69-66 on November 8th, 2025.  

Rams Returners:
The Rams brought back eight returners from last year's team, sophomores CJ Alston, Khyelle Ingram, Samuel Newkirk, redshirt sophomore Masaun Bryant, juniors Lance Gill and Jaiden Thompson, senior Abou Camara and redshirt senior Tyre Boykin.
  
Ram Newcomers:
During the off-season the Rams welcomed seven newcomers, freshmen Bryson Cowan, Arrington Kee, sophomores Treyton "Tre" Crite, and Isaiah Sutherland, seniors Demetri Patterson and Isaish Ray and redshirt senior Ethan English.
                                                          
CIAA Preseason/Poll
Overall, the Rams were selected to finish 12th in the CIAA preseason poll.

Scouting Report 
East Stroudsburg University finished (21-9, 15-6 PSAC) last season. The Warriors were picked to finish second in the PSAC Eastern Division. The Warriors are returning six players from last year. East Stroudsburg are returning their fourth leading scorer from last year Nasir Griffin, who averaged 9.7 points a game. Griffin scored his season-high 24 points on December 3rd against Molloy. Last year East Stroudsburg scored 85.9 points per game.  

Last year Shepherd University finished (21-11, 14-7 PSAC). Shepherd University has been picked to finish fourth in the PSAC East Men's Basketball Preseason Poll. They are returning seven players from last year, The Rams are returning their third leading scorer, Chase Poar averaging 14.1 points a game. Poar scored his season-high 24 points on November 22th, 2025, against Seton Hill. Last season Shepherd scored 68.7 points per game. 


Up Next
The Rams will gear up for their home opener on Tuesday, November 18th, taking on Virginia University of Lynchburg. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. inside the C.E. Gaines Center.