Final Stats

ELIZABETH CITY, NC-The Elizabeth City State Vikings closed the game with a furious rally to topple Shaw University 76-66 Thursday night in the teams' CIAA opener.

Trailing 64-58 with just over four minutes to go Glenn Patterson's 3-pointer at the 3:47 mark began a scoring tear as the Vikings would close the game on a 15-2 run.

The Bears' final basket of the night, a Karon Reed layup, connected with 2:26 left in the contest.

On ECSU's ensuing possession, DeCarlos Anderson sank three free throws after he was fouled on a three-point attempt, making the score 66-64 in favor of Shaw University. After the Bears misfired on their next offensive trip, Elon Edwards pulled up for a fast break three-pointer to give the Vikings their first lead since the 8:11 mark of the second half.

After an offensive foul (turnover) on Shaw's next possession, Miykael Faulcon drained a three from the corner with 48 seconds left and a 70-66 Viking lead. The Bears got three more looks at the basket but all came up empty and ECSU sealed the win with two more free throws from Anderson along with a layup and two free throws by Brachon Griffin.

Overall ECSU shot 59% from the floor in the second half.

In the victory, the Vikings overcame 19 offensive boards by the Bears, who held a 43-38 overall rebounding advantage. Additionally, the Vikings found themselves in the bonus with 12:38 (8 fouls to 1 for Shaw) to go in the game. However despite having ample opportunity at the free throw line the Bears shot a dismal 43% from the stripe, sinking only 14 of 32 attempts.

Darrell Ward led four Vikings in double figures with 14 points. Anderson had 13 points including 11-11 shooting from the free throw line while, Griffin and Faulcon chipped in with 11 points apiece.

Jamar Cooper led all scorers with 20 points. The Bears fall to 5-6 overall and 0-1 in the CIAA.

ECSU (8-6, CIAA 1-0) will host Saint Augustine's on Saturday at 4:00pm at the RL Vaughan Center.