WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Elizabeth City State put together one of its strongest performances of the season, but a late fourth-quarter surge by the Carolina University Bruins erased a double-digit deficit as ECSU fell 78–72 Sunday afternoon at Williams Gymnasium.

The Vikings controlled the game for much of the afternoon, shooting 50 percent in the opening quarter and taking a 41–31 lead into halftime. ECSU extended the advantage to as many as 16 points midway through the third quarter behind efficient shooting and aggressive play on both ends of the floor.

Carolina University flipped the momentum in the final frame, outscoring ECSU 31–14 in the fourth quarter. The Bruins attacked the basket relentlessly, shooting 64.3 percent in the quarter and going 13-of-17 from the free-throw line to complete the comeback.

Karina Scott led the Vikings with 20 points, connecting on six three-pointers, while Laniya Scales added 14 points, six rebounds, and four steals. Tionna Pettus anchored the paint with 11 rebounds and eight points off the bench.

Carolina University was powered by Dearia Page, who poured in 35 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Bruins. Her late-game presence proved decisive as Carolina University closed the game on a dominant run.

Elizabeth City State moves to 3–12 on the season after a tough loss that saw strong play undone by a late surge. The Lady Vikings cap off a a tough road stretch with Livingstone on Jan. 12th, their fourth game in five games.