Free-throw shooting in the final seconds of the game proved to be the final key as the Winston-Salem State Rams defeated the Howard Bison, 64-56, at the Lawrence Joel Coliseum.

Howard was able to stay close throughout on the scoring of Randy Hampton (11 points), Paul Kirkpatrick (10 points) and Eugene Myatt (14 points) as they combined for 15 of 28 from the field. But the remainder of the team missed 19 of 26 shots.

Still, the Bison were able to stay within striking distance. Myatt and sophomore forward Kandi Mukole, who combined for 14 of Howard’s 25 second half points, aided the cause.

But down the stretch, WSSU parlayed just enough hustle plays and its best free throw shooting performance of the season into a victory. The Rams won the second chance battle, 16-10, scored 21 points off 16 Bison turnovers and converted on 12 of 13 free- throw attempts (93-percent), including 10 of 11 in the last eight-plus minutes. As a team, the Rams came into the game shooting only 67 percent from the charity stripe.

The Bison, who oddly did not attempt a free throw in the first half, made only 7 of 12 in the second half.

WSSU was led by Jamal Durham’s 12 points, Darrell Wonge’s 11 and Brian Fisher’s 10, all coming in the second half.

One area in which Howard was able to have an advantage was on the boards (41-32) where Hampton grabbed a season-high nine, and Myatt and freshman Adam Walker each garnered 7.

The Bison also did a good job distributing the ball, recording 14 assists on their 22 baskets.

But in the end, it was free throw shooting that proved to be a difference.