WSSU Rams Rally Falls Short Versus Tampa Spartans, 64-61

WSSU Rams Rally Falls Short Versus Tampa Spartans, 64-61
Kevin Mann 12/30/11

TAMPA, FLA - For the second consecutive night, the #25 Winston-Salem State University came up on the short end of the scoreboard, as the University of Tampa held off the Rams 64-61 in the Tampa Classic at the Bob Martinez Sports Complex on the Tampa campus.

With the loss Winston-Salem State falls to 7-2, while the Tampa Spartans improve to 4-7.

WSSU head coach shook up the Rams lineup from the start, with junior transfer, Joseph Thompson, and freshman WyKevin Bazemore getting the starting nods.

The Tampa Spartans jumped out early on Winston-Salem State and held a 16-7 lead at the 10:44 mark, before the Rams would go on a 11-0 run to take their first lead of the game.

The Spartans took their largest lead of the afternoon of after going on their own 11-0 run, and led 31-20 with 2:28 left in the first half, before the Rams were able to chip into the lead, ending the half on a 6-25 run.

Tampa took a 33-26 lead in the locker room at the half.

Winston-Salem State dominated bench points 33-17, and also outscored the Spartans in points in the paint, 26-22.

WSSU's last lead came at 5:58 at 52-50, although they managed to tie the score at 57-57 with 1:20 remaining, they could not get over the hump as the hot shooting Tampa Spartans continued to burn the Rams from behind the three point arc.

Winston-Salem State had a chance to tie the score with 3 seconds remaining but Justin Glover's shot came up short.

The telling tale for the Rams was 23 missed layup or short inside shots on the evening.

"We missed too many easy baskets and didn't close out on shooters coming down the stretch," said head coach Bobby Collins.

"We played better this evening, but still not where we should be. We have to regroup and get ready for a tough Virginia State team coming in to our place on Thursday, and Virginia Union on Saturday," added Collins.

Justin Glover led the WSSU Rams with 17 points off the bench, while Lamar Monger added 14. Kimani Hunt chipped in seven points and six rebounds, while Stephon Platt also added four points and a game high seven rebounds. WyKevin Bazemore finished with four points and six rebounds in his first start as a collegian.

Callum Townsend led Tampa with 19 points, while Osby Kelly added 14 off the bench, and Ashton Graham finished with 12 points.

Winston-Salem State will open CIAA Conference play on Thursday, January 5th, when they host the Virginia State Trojans at 7:30pm in the CE Gaines Center.