Johnson C. Smith men's basketball fell behind early and could not overcome a raucous atmosphere and strong inside play by their opponent on their way to an 84-72 loss to Shaw University on Senior Day in Raleigh.

The Golden Bulls were led by Cayse Minor (19 pts) and Roddric Ross (10 pts) but couldn't offset Shaw's 20-11 advantage in second-chance points.

Late in the first half, Shaw went on a 17-5 run to take a 45-32 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The teams played even in the second half but JCSU was unable to cut into the Bears' lead, suffering their fourth loss in the last five games.

JCSU ends the regular season at 8-17 overall and 5-13 in conference play.  The Golden Bulls fall to seventh place in the CIAA South,

Shaw captures its third straight Southern Division title improving to 15-12 overall and 10-8 in league play.

JCSU now awaits the pairings for the CIAA Tournament, scheduled to begin Monday February 25 at Bojangles' Coliseum