Antwan Wilkerson had 17 points and seven rebounds, including key last second scores that nearly won the game.
Winston Salem, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball team fell in the final seconds to Winston Salem State University on Monday evening inside the C.E. Gaines Center. JCSU moves to 12-6 overall, 8-2 in the CIAA, and 1-2 in the division; while the Rams improves to 15-3 overall, 8-2 in the conference, and 3-0 in the Southern.
This was the first return to “Ram Country” for head coach #Stephen Joyner, Sr#. and JCSU since the 2006-07 season. Meaning no one on the team, not even the seniors had ever faced WSSU or played in the C.E. Gaines Center. The Golden Bulls found themselves only trailing 38-35 at halftime, despite losing the rebounding battle 24-13 in the first half. The contest was back and forth with 14 lead changes and two ties in the initial period.
The backcourt trio of sophomore guard
Trevin Parks (Hickory, NC), junior guard
James Otey (Roanoke, VA), and senior guard
Ronald Thornhill (Alberta, VA) supplied much of the scoring early. Parks and Otey had nine points apiece. Thornhill pitched eight points, including 2-of-6 shooting from the three point line.
Sheldon Carter had 13 of the Rams' 38 first half points. WSSU shot 50% (17-34) from the field, but missed on their only two free throw attempts (0-2).
The second half featured the most action packed 30 seconds in the CIAA this season. A dunk inside by Paul Davis put WSSU up 73-68 and head coach Bobby Collins took a timeout with 30 left to play. Following the timeout, Otey popped a three pointer from the right corner to draw JCSU within one possession (73-71).
Forced to foul, J.C. Smith put Andrew Jackson on the free throw line; where he converted two for a 75-71 WSSU advantage. Parks pushed the ball the length of the court for an inside score and drew a foul on the play. Parks missed the FT, after the rebound Paul Davis was fouled and sent to the charity stripe. Davis missed at the line; Thornhill grabbed the rebound and threw an outlet pass to freshman forward
Antwan Wilkerson (Greensboro, NC) under the basket.
Marcus Wells immediately fouled Wilkerson, drawing a flagrant call from the officials. Wilkerson made both free throws to tie the game (75-75) with 4.5 seconds on the clock. Maintaining possession from the flagrant, Otey inbound to Wilkerson for a go-ahead finger roll (77-75) with three ticks left in regulation.
In three seconds, the Rams took two dribbles to get the length of the court. Andrew Jackson caught a pass at the top of the right wing and sank a three pointer at the buzzer for a 78-77 victory. The officials gathered after the buzzer and made the final call to count the basket.
Johnson C. Smith shot 48% (31-64) from the floor in the game and outrebounded WSSU 23-13 in the second half to even out the battle on the glass (37-36). Parks ended with a game-high 21 points and seven assists. Thornhill and Otey each had 14 points, including a combined six three pointers. Wilkerson had 17 points and seven rebounds, including those key last second scores.
The Rams were led by Shelton Carter and Andrew Jackson with 18 and 14 points, respectively.
JCSU returns to action in a divisional matchup with Shaw University on Saturday, February 5th in Raleigh, NC. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m. inside C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium.
