Jan. 3, 2004

Winston-Salem, NC - Behind Darnell Gregory (So./F/6'5"/200/Fayetteville, NC) who nearly recorded his first ever triple-double, the Winston-Salem State University Rams improved to 10-2 on the season (1-1 CIAA) as they defeated the Queens University (N.C.) Royals 76-56 in men's basketball action at the CE Gaines Center on Saturday afternoon.

Despite missing the triple-double, Gregory was able to record his first career double-double as he tallied 14 points (on 5 of 8 shooting from the floor and 4-6 shooting from the free-throw line), pulled down 10 rebounds, as well as dishing out seven assists and grabbing two steals, all in 27 minutes of turnover-free basketball.

He was not the only Ram to shine as sophomore superstar Alleggrie Guinn (So./G/6'3"/170/Charlotte, NC) chipped in with 12 points and two rebounds in 31 minutes of playing time and point-guard Rashad McGee (Jr./G/5'10"/190/Waxhaw, NC) turned in a career game with 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals in 3o ferocious minutes.

The game also marked the return of sharp-shooting guard Jay Maynard (Sr./6'1"/190/Jacksonville, NC). Maynard, who has not played since scoring 17 points versus Longwood in the Rams' opening game of 2003-04, returned from surgery on his left leg with a breakout performance coming off of the bench. Maynard scored a game-high 17 points (along with McGee) on 6 of 9 shooting from the floor, including going 5 of 8 from three point range, many of those from a very deep distance. He also tallied a single steal, all in 21 minutes of work for the Rams.

The Ram offensive outburst was by no means the only storyline in the game as the Ram defense is what would ultimately lead WSSU to victory. The Rams committed only ten turnovers and forced the normally mistake-free Royals into giving up the basketball 22 times which resulted in 31 Ram points off of turnovers.

As well, the Rams held two-time CVAC Player of the Year and All-American Spencer Ross (Sr./G/5'11"/175/Chesapeake, VA) to a season-low ten points and forced him to cough the ball up seven times.

With the win, the Rams improve to 10-2 overall, and have won three straight games. The Royals have a two-game win streak snapped and fall to 6-2 overall.

The Rams return to action on Tuesday when they will play host to the St. Augustine's College Falcons in WSSU's first CIAA Western Division contest. Game time is slated for 7:30 pm.