Nov. 27, 2006

Final Stats

NORFOLK, VA - History was made on Monday evening in Norfolk, Virginia as the Winston-Salem State University Lady Rams basketball team, under the guidance of head coach Dee Stokes, recorded their first win in history as a Division I program as they defeated Norfolk State University 75-64 in overtime.

The Lady Rams played only six players in the contest and held Norfolk State to a dismal 28.8% shooting performance from the floor as Winston-Salem State University forced 18 turnovers which they turned into 22 points.

"I am obviously very pleased with our effort tonight.  We are affectionately calling ourselves the `Sexy Six', and we proved tonight that even if you are down in numbers you can win.  We played only six players, they played 13 and we outscored them in overtime 14-3.  I couldn't be prouder of these young ladies as we made history tonight in getting our first victory at the Division I level" WSSU head coach Dee Stokes said via phone following the game.

Despite being down by as many as seven points in the first half, the Lady Rams took a seven-point lead of their own into the halftime intermission and held off a late Norfolk State University rally in the second half as the game progressed into overtime.

"We are affectionately calling ourselves the `Sexy Six', and we proved tonight that even if you are down in numbers you can win. We played only six players, they played 13 and we outscored them in overtime 14-3. I couldn't be prouder of these young ladies as we made history tonight" WSSU head coach Dee Stokes

The contest was close for the first 40 minutes as neither team led by more than seven points.  However, clutch free throw shooting and quality shot selection gave the Lady Rams a decisive 14-3 advantage in the five-minute overtime session as WSSU recorded the 75-64 win.

"We rebounded well despite being out-rebounded in the game. We made shots when we had to, and made free throws.  Our girls really stepped up.  For some reason we shoot the ball better away from home from the free throw line and those free throws were really the key for us down the stretch.  We got our first Division I victory, and I am, to say the least, very pleased, and very happy for our young ladies.  I know that there are great things to come, and this is only the beginning" Stokes commented.

Shalonda Carter led the way for the Lady Rams as she led four WSSU players in double-figure scoring with 22 points and 10 rebounds.  She was joined in double-figures by Latoya Armstrong (18 points), Richea Harris (15 points), and Kadina Baldwin (12 points).  Nadege Dareus and Areya Walker led NSU with 12 points each in the loss.

The win improves WSSU to 1-5 overall on the season and earns WSSU their first win as a Division I women's basketball program.  The victory also earns WSSU head coach Dee Stokes her first win at WSSU.

The Lady Rams return to action on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 7:00 pm as they play host to Delaware State University in the CE Gaines Center.

For additional information on WSSU women's basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at (336) 750-2143 or log on to the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com.

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