Rams blow past Bears, take first place in CIAA

The Rams protect home court as well as sent their seniors off as winners in their final home game with a 59-49 victory over the Shaw University Bears Feb. 21 in front of a packed C.E. Gaines Center.

The win moves the Rams into first place in the CIAA Southern Division. The Rams have a one-game conference advantage over the Bears.

For the Rams to win an outright division title they need Shaw to lose their next game or to win their season finale against Fayetteville State Feb. 26.

"We are in first place, but we still need to take care of business against FSU," said senior forward Paul Davis.

The Rams got off to a hot start in the first three minutes of the game jumping on the Bears 7-2.

"We knew we needed to start quickly and the crowd really helped us do that by providing a crazy environment," Davis said.

The Rams defense was smothering, causing the Bears to make horrible shot attempts and forcing them into a two-for-12 shooting performance from three-point land in the first half.

"Coach [Collins] told us to give 100 percent effort on defense," said redshirt sophomore forward Stephon Platt.

When the Rams forced the Bears into 13 turnovers in the first half and capitalized by scoring 15 points off turnovers and went into halftime leading 30-22.

"The guys did a great job of staying focused," said head coach Bobby Collins.

"We knew this was a big night for our seniors, and they didn't let the events during the evening get to them."

In the second half, WSSU continued to emphasize on playing lockdown defense and never trailed in the second half. The Rams also forced the issue of getting the ball inside and attacking the basket drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line.

"The plan going into the game was to go to the post early and often," Platt said

"I give props to our guards; they were looking for us and got us the ball."

The Rams have won six of their last eight home finales, with this victory being the first one since Feb. 25, 2008 when they defeated Norfolk State 68-65.

"We call this class the ‘unforgettables'," Collins said.

"When they had the opportunities to transfer, they didn't. They stayed and that showed me how loyal they were to the team and to me, and I appreciate them so much for that."

After his final  home game as a Ram, Paul Davis said that the game was very emotional.

"I love the atmosphere," Davis said.

"I'm going to miss this place. But know we have to refocus and try to win the conference championship."