Feb. 24, 2008

GAME NOTES

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (2-22) will payback on their mind when the team hosts the Norfolk State Lady Spartans (4-19), Monday evening at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The two teams met in a classic battle at Echols Hall in Norfolk, VA earlier this season that saw the Lady Rams take a 62-61 loss despite holding an eight-point lead with 22 seconds left to play.

The loss was a heartbreaking one, especially since the young Lady Rams held the lead for most of the contest and seemed poised to claim the victory. Since the loss, the Lady Rams have tasted victory just once, defeating the Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcats, 56-51.

Looking to lead the young Lady Rams will be freshman forward Jalesa Byrd, who has added some offensive firepower to already impressive repertoire of defensive and rebounding capabilities. Byrd has combined for 24 points in her last two games. She tied her career-high with 10 points at Hampton, only to surpass that total less than a week later when she scored 14 points against the North Carolina A&T Lady Aggies, Saturday evening. The Lady Spartans could find no answer for WSSU freshman guard Rene Rector who scored 18 points with five assists the last time she faced the Lady Spartans.

Across the court from the Lady Rams will be a Norfolk State team that has struggled since their classic battle, going 1-6 since defeating the Lady Rams. Lady Spartan guard Raychele Payne leads the way for the Lady Spartans with a 15.2 ppg average. Guard Danelle Tate has also been solid for the Lady Spartans with a 9.3 ppg average. She had a great night at South Carolina State with 24 points over the Lady Bulldogs.

The Lady Rams and Lady Spartans are scheduled to tip-off at 5:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum Annex.