WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Elizabeth City State battled to the final minutes but came up short in a 63–57 loss to Winston-Salem State on Saturday afternoon at the C.E. Gaines Center.

The Vikings kept the game tight early despite shooting struggles in the first half, trailing just 27–21 at the break. ECSU found its rhythm offensively in the second half, knocking down five three-pointers and shooting 48.2 percent from the floor to match Winston-Salem point-for-point after halftime.

The game featured multiple lead changes and remained within one possession late, but Winston-Salem State capitalized at the free-throw line and on the offensive glass down the stretch. The Rams finished with 21 second-chance points and a 43–20 rebounding advantage that proved decisive.

Jaquantae Harris had his best game since returning from a hamstring injury, leading ECSU with a team-high 19 points off the bench, shooting 8-of-11 from the field and 3-of-4 from three. Trevor Smith added 17 points, four assists, and three steals, while Terence Thorbs contributed seven points and four rebounds.

Winston-Salem State was paced by Tyre Boykin, who scored 18 points and went 9-of-12 at the free-throw line. Abou Camara posted a strong double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Khyelle Ingram added 16 points off the bench.

Elizabeth City State heads to Livingston on January 12th, wrapping up a tough road swing with three games in five days.