ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. -- Elizabeth City State men's basketball secured its first win of the season in dramatic fashion on Monday night, edging the previously undefeated Shaw Bears 66–65 in a back-and-forth CIAA matchup that featured 11 lead changes and four ties.

First Half
The Vikings came out strong, shooting 42.4% from the field and knocking down 6 threes in the opening period. ECSU built a 35–28 halftime advantage behind efficient scoring from Trevor Smith, Braylon Wheeler, and a spark off the bench from Daniel Nixon.

Shaw struggled from beyond the arc early (3–14 in the first half), allowing ECSU to maintain control despite both teams finishing the period with 28 points in the paint.

Second Half
The Bears mounted a push after the break, outscoring the Vikings 37–31 as their guard trio of Dreveon Scott, Avery Huggins, and Darius Abraham found a rhythm. Shaw improved their 3-point shooting after halftime and capitalized on free-throw opportunities.

ECSU, however, responded each time with timely baskets and defensive stops in the dying minutes of regulation. Elizabeth City State briefly pulled ahead 64–58 after a strong layup from Donovan Flamer, but Shaw immediately responded. Dreveon Scott buried a three to cut the margin to three, and a chaotic sequence of technical fouls and turnovers followed. Avery Huggins then hit two free throws to make it a one-point game, and after several empty possessions on both sides, Shaw finally broke through. With 56 seconds remaining, Huggins drove inside for a layup, giving Shaw a 65–64 lead and shifting the pressure back onto ECSU. The Vikings stayed poised, and with 36 seconds left, Flamer delivered again—finishing a decisive layup in the paint to put ECSU back on top 66–65. That basket stood as the game-winner after the Vikings closed out the final moments with defensive stops to secure the victory.

Key Performers – ECSU
Trevor Smith led the way for the Vikings with a steady all-around performance, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists while knocking down a pair of threes. Backcourt partner Braylon Wheeler was equally effective, adding 13 points, five assists, and four rebounds, also connecting twice from long range. In the paint, Donovan Flamer anchored the interior with a hard-earned double-double, posting 10 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks to control the game inside. Off the bench, Daniel Nixon provided a major spark, scoring 13 points on an efficient 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc. In total, the Vikings' reserves contributed 24 points—production that proved to be a decisive factor in the narrow victory.

Team Notes

• ECSU shot 42.9% from the field and 44.4% from three (8–18).
• Vikings won the rebounding battle 35–33.
• ECSU generated 14 points off turnovers and 8 second-chance points.
• Both teams scored 28 points in the paint, highlighting the physical nature of the game.
  
  Up Next for ECSU:
  The Vikings return to R.L. Vaughan Center on Dec. 15, for a 7:30 pm matchup against Claflin.