Winston-Salem State University, who just took home the CIAA football championship in November, claimed the CIAA basketball championship as well.
Junior Stephon Platt was the top scorer for WSSU, scoring 21 points of the bench. Junior Justin Glover was not far behind with 15 points. The Rams dominated on the boards, out-rebounding the Vikings 52-28.
Shawn Walker, head coach of the Elizabeth City State Vikings, was very upset over the loss, and stressed the importance of rebounding.
“We feel awful that we did not perform better. Rebounds were our downfall.”
Walker went on to speak about their struggles offensively. “We went almost 6 minutes without scoring a bucket, but we must stay positive and continue to move forward.”
WSSU freshman Wykevin Bazemore had a total of 14 rebounds. “Coach always tells me to rebound, and rebound some more, that is one of my main jobs on the court, and I try to do my best at it,” said Bazemore.
Although the Rams won the championship, it was no easy task. The score of the game was very close until the Rams made a run in the 2nd half.
“We knew this game would come down to the team that could get a run. We are definitely pleased to have won. We have 3 players sitting at home with torn ACLs who were very vital for us making it this far,” said Bobby Collins, head coach of WSSU.
“Coach always tells us to keep playing and keep pushing. This is one of the biggest games I have had. There would be some games I wouldn’t score, and to be the top scorer is amazing,” says Platt.
With Rams football getting all the attention for their undefeated season in the CIAA, the basketball team hopes the same attention will be given to them as they advance to the NCAA Division II tournament.
“Football set the tone, but we are now going towards a national championship,” said Collins.
