Shaw Secures Victory Over WSSU with Second-Half Comeback
RALEIGH, NC – The Shaw University men’s basketball team overcame a halftime deficit with a dominant second-half surge to edge Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) in a closely contested matchup on Wednesday night (Jan. 22) at C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium. The Bears’ bench played a crucial role, contributing 30 points to the hard-fought 70-68 win.
The Bears (10-9, 5-2 CIAA) were led by Darius Abraham, who scored a team-high 17 points. Trent McIntyre added a solid all-around performance with 13 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, while Jermaine Vereen contributed six points, six rebounds, and three blocks.
Defensively, the Bears disrupted WSSU’s offensive flow, holding the Rams to 37.7% shooting and forcing 18 turnovers. Shaw also dominated around the rim with eight blocks, including three from Vereen.
The Way It Occurred
The first half was tightly contested, with the Rams taking a 26-21 lead late in the period. Shaw responded with a 5-0 run, highlighted by a Dishon Daniels basket, tying the game at 26. WSSU regained the lead, sending Shaw into halftime trailing 31-30.
In the second half, the Bears found their rhythm, taking a 48-45 lead before breaking the game open with an 8-0 run to extend their advantage to 56-45 with 8:30 remaining. While the Rams chipped away at the deficit late, Shaw’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and control the boards helped secure the win.
Game Notes
- The Bears’ bench made a significant impact, scoring 30 points.
- Shaw forced 18 turnovers and scored 14 points off those mistakes.
- The defense shined with eight blocks, led by Vereen’s three rejections.
- Shaw’s offensive rebounding yielded 10 boards and six second-chance points.
- Darius Abraham led the Bears in scoring with 17 points.
- Trent McIntyre pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.
Up Next
The Bears will take a brief break before returning to action on Tuesday, January 28, hosting Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. at historic C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium.
For updates on Shaw Athletics, visit ShawBears.com.
Photo courtesy of Shaw Athletics/Donald Watkins