Final Stats

WINSTON-SALEM, NC- Winston-Salem State University overcame double digit leads in both halves to edge Elizabeth City State University 73-68 in overtime Saturday afternoon at the CE Gaines Center.

The game was a non-conference clash for the teams who will meet for their regular season CIAA matchup on January 11, 2016 in the RL Vaughan Center.

The Vikings put up a valiant defensive effort holding the Rams to just 32% from the field on 19 of 59 shooting. However despite their defensive showing, ECSU was out-rebounded by the Rams 47-30. Additionally the Vikings gave up 24 offensive rebounds which led directly to 19 second chance points for WSSU.

The Vikings also committed an uncharacteristic 28 turnovers, those miscues playing to the favor of the Rams to the tune of 36 points.

The Rams (2-2) also enjoyed a 32-45 free throw advantage to just 12-17 attempts for the Vikings from the charity stripe.

ECSU began the game on a tear, racing out to a 16-0 lead by the 12:08 mark. The Rams got on the board by converting 8 of 8 free throw attempts yet ECSU held a 23-8 lead with 8:14 to go in the first half.

Carlos Rankins notched the Rams first field goal at the 7:52 mark which sparked 12-3 WSSU run to make the score 26-22 in favor of ECSU at the intermission.

Demone Harris drained a three-ball that gave WSSU a brief 27-26 lead, their first of the game, with 18:02 left in regulation. Two possessions later, James Theus put the Vikings back on top, 29-27, with his only three pointer of the afternoon. The Vikings went back up by double digits when a Jermaine Brown jumper at the 8:48 mark capped a 17-8 run for a 46-35 advantage.

The Rams' next rally went for went for eleven straight points and two free throws by Carlos Rankins gave WSSU a two point lead. Miykael Faulcon countered with a jumper with 1:10 remaining to tie the game at 56. After a Keith Armstrong layup put the Rams back out in front, DeCarlos Anderson sank two free throws with 24 seconds left to send the game to an extra session tied at 58.

With 1:30 to go in overtime, Anderson's layup and free throw gave the Vikings a brief 66-65 lead. Jamel McAllister then drilled a three pointer on the Rams' next offensive set for a two point advantage. WSSU closed out the final 31 seconds sinking 5-6 from the free throw line for the five point victory.

Anderson paced ECSU with a game high 21 points while the Rams placed five players in double figures on the afternoon. The Vikings will hold their home opener on Tuesday against Mid-Atlantic Christian. Game time is slated for 7pm at the RL Vaughan Center.