ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.  – The Elizabeth City State University men's basketball team defeated Winston-Salem State University in its home opener Wednesday evening in the R. L. Vaughan Center. With the victory, the Vikings improved to 2-1 overall; while the Rams fall to 0-1 on the season.

Junior center Tyjhai Byars recorded his first career double-double here at ECSU, knocking down 18 points and grabbing 13 boards on the evening. Elizabeth City State led by as much as 17 points in the first half, with 12:09 remaining and outscored Winston Salem State in points in the paint (42-24), in points off turnovers (21-6), and in second chance points (14-10).

The teams tied in fast break points with 4 points all; while WSSU led ECSU in bench points (13-12). The game saw two lead changes, but no ties. The Vikings finished the night shooting 42.9 percent from the floor, 15.4 percent from behind the arc, and 76 percent from the charity stripe; while the Rams closed out the game shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 35.3 percent from downtown, and 60 percent from the line.

The Vikings had three other scorers in double figure for the game. Junior forward John Maynor recorded 17 points, sophomore guard Zaccheus Hobbs tallied 15, and junior forward Joseph Allen collected 10 in the victory.

Junior guard Robert Colon added 20 points and was the lone scorer in double figures for the Rams.

Elizabeth City State is scheduled to travel to Salibury, N.C. to face Catawba College Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.   
 
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