Box Score MURFREESBORO, NC- The Chowan University men's basketball team dropped a 64-55 decision to the visiting Rams of Winston-Salem State on Saturday afternoon.  The loss puts the Hawks at 4-8 overall and 1-4 in the CIAA while the Rams improve to 9-6 on the year and 4-1 in league competition. 
 
Ashante Ross notched a team-high 17 points in the loss while Phoenix Butler-Poole added 14 of his own.  Kyree Bethel added nine points after draining three three-pointers. 
 
WyKevin Bazemore led all players in the contest with 27 points for the Rams.  Preston Ross and Marquez Jones added 19 and 11 points respectively.  Bazemore hauled in a team-high eight rebounds (four offensive, four defensive). 
 
Ross opened the contest with a three pointer to put the Hawks on the board.  Chowan remained in control until two made free throws by Bazemore gave the Rams a 20-19 lead with 7:02 on the clock.  Upon gaining the lead, Winston-Salem remained in control and held on to a narrow 27-25 advantage heading into halftime. 
 
The Rams took off on a 9-2 at the start of the second half to pull away 36-27 with 16:04 remaining in the game.  Chowan battled to pull within five points (38-35) with 14:15 on the clock after a layup by Butler-Poole.  The Hawks battled to stay within reach of the Rams but were unable to overcome the deficit.  Chowan trailed 58-48 with less than two minutes to play before falling to Winston-Salem State 64-55. 
 
The Hawks return to their home court on Monday evening to host Livingstone College in CIAA crossover play.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm in the Helms Center.