By Airis Thomas Sports Information Director Winston-Salem State,
SALISBURY, N.C. – It took five extra minutes, but the Winston-Salem State University men’s basketball team defeated Livingstone College, 88-83 inside the Williams Trent Gymnasium.
WSSU improved to 15-5 (7-4 CIAA) and Livingstone moved to 9-10 (5-5 CIAA).
Five Rams scored in double figures in the victory. Samage Teel led the Rams with 21 points, Isaac Parson added 16 points and Jon Hicklin dished in 15 points. Jaylon Gibson finished with 14 points and eight rebounds and Nate Springs recorded 10 points on the evening.
The first half went back and forth till the rams took a 23-21 lead with 8:22 to play in the half. The Rams increased their lead to four, 27-23 after Jaylen Alston hit a jumper with 7:22 to go. The two teams were tied at 31 but WSSU went into halftime trailing 42-37.
Samage Teel hit a three to bring the Rams within four with 18:40 to play in the game. Teel hit another three to tie the game at 44-all with 16:30 to play in the half. The Rams led 62-56 with 10:03 on the clock. Nate Springs knocked down a huge three to give WSSU a 65-56 lead over the Blue Bears with 8:46 to play in the game. Livingstone came within two, 65-63 with 6:27 remaining in the game. The Blue Bears took a one-point lead 70-69 with 2:18 left in the game. The Rams and Livingstone were tied at 71-all with 1:02 left in the half. Samage Teel hit a three to put Winston up 74-71 with 31 seconds left. Aaron Broadnax from Livingstone hit a three to send the game into overtime.
Samage Teel made two free throws in overtime to give WSSU a 76-74 lead. After changing points back and forth the Rams eventually pulled away to take the 88-83 victory.
WSSU is back in action on Wednesday, February 1st taking on Bluefield State in West Virginia. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
