WSSU is still standing in CIAA Tournament

What Collins has done with nearly a whole new team can't be overlooked

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- It was by no means a thing of beauty but Winston-Salem State’s gritty 56-55 win over Virginia Union is a significant moment for the program and particularly coach Bobby Collins.

Collins, who has one more season left on his contract, has stressed all season about the importance of performing well “in those three days in March.” He’s referring, of course, to the CIAA Tournament, the crown jewel of the conference.

With around 10,000 fans at Thursday night’s game the Rams turned to their defense in the closing seconds to turn back the Panthers. It shouldn’t be overlooked what Collins and the Rams have accomplished, even if the road ends tonight against defending champion Shaw, who is riding a 21-game win streak. Shaw, who I think could give the woeful Charlotte Bobcats a good game, will be tough to beat in tonight’s 9:30 semifinal game.

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VUU's season ends in CIAA Quarters

CHARLOTTE, NC - Virginia Union made a furious rally, but it came one point short in the CIAA quarterfinals. Winston-Salem hung on to hold off Virginia Union, 56-55, on Thursday in the Time Warner Cable Arena, ending the Panthers season.

Winston-Salem State advances to Friday's semifinal game where it will meet the winner of Shaw/Fayetteville at 9 p.m. The Rams were swept by Shaw (76-60 on Feb. 11 and 80-59 on Feb. 20) and split the season series with Fayetteville State with a 58-54 victory on Jan. 21 and dropped a 64-54 decision nearly a week ago.

Justin Glover led the Rams (19-8) with 14 points, four rebounds and one assist. Chris Witherspoon added 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting as Winston-Salem State, which defeated Virginia Union, 67-66, on Jan. 7, shot 47 percent (22-of-47) from the floor.

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