Winston-Salem, N.C. (Jan. 6, 2024)-The Virginia State University men's basketball team traveled to Winston-Salem State University and dropped the game 76-62. The Rams ended the game on an 11-2 run to help secure the win. 

Opening the game Chris Hampton hit two three pointers with Tyrek Williams hitting a layup to score VSU's eight points in an eight all game at 14:34. The teams continued to go back and forth with the Rams holding on to a three-point advantage, 18-15 with 9:36 remaining in the first half. The Trojans went three minutes without hitting a field goal before Izeah Parker hit a jump hook to make it a one possession game, 20-18. Then Imhotep (Tap) George scored back-to-back buckets to tie the game at 22 all at the 4:19 mark. Virginia State would eventually go into the locker room with a 31-27 lead over the reigning CIAA Tournament Champions after Izeah Parker hit a buzzer beater layup. 

The second half only took 90 seconds for WSSU to retake the lead 35-31 and that was part of a 14-5 run for the rams over the first five minutes of the second half equaling their largest lead at 41-36. Jared Clawson hit a three pointer as an answer, but WSSU rattled off quick foul shot and layup to make the score 44-39 with 13 minutes left in the game. The Rams continued to pull away from the Trojans as they took a nine-point advantage, 52-43 with just 10:40 left int he game. With just under nine minutes left Clawson hit a deep two and got VSU back within four points, 54-50 and fifty seconds later Hampton cut the deficit to two with a three-pointer, 55-53. A second straight three from Hampton made it a one-point game 57-56 with 7:25 left in the game. 

Winston-Salem State always seemed to have an answer for the Trojans as they had five minutes to overcome a five-point deficit, 65-60. The Rams however would extend their lead to 10 points, 70-60 with just 2:45 left in the game. 

Hampton was the only Trojan in double figures with 14 points. Clawson and George were close, contributing nine points. George also brought down a team high of eight rebounds.  

With the loss VSU drops to 7-8 and 2-3 in conference play while the Rams improve to 11-4 and stay undefeated at 5-0 in conference play. Next up for the Trojans will be the conclusion of their North Carolina trip as they take on Livingston College on Thursday January 11 at 7:30 p.m.