CHARLOTTE, NC -- Andre Paulk had 24 points, and Larry Richardson 19, as the Shaw University Bears downed Johnson C. Smith 75-68 in a game played Saturday at JCSU's Brayboy Gymnasium.

The win improves Shaw to a 4-6 mark in the Southern Division, 8-8 in the conference and 10-16 overall.  The loss drops Johnson C. Smith into a tie with Shaw for fourth, but Shaw claims the all-important fourth seed -- and first round bye -- with two wins over JCSU and the better conference mark.

Johnson C. Smith finished their regular season with a 7-9 mark in the CIAA, 4-6 in the division and 15-11 overall.

The Golden Bulls had a four-point lead with 7:16 left, but the Bears scored nine straight, recapturing their lead and rolling to the seven-point win.

Both teams shot well, with Shaw hitting 52.8 percent of their shots, while JCSU hit an even 52 percent.  Shaw shone at the three-point line, hitting six of their ten attempts.  JCSU had a strong five-for-11 performance from beyond the arc.  Both teams struggled from the free throw line, with neither managing even a 60 percent mark.

With outstanding shot making, the opportunities for rebounds decline, with Shaw holding a 34-23 advantage on the boards in the game.

In addition to Paulk and Richardson's contributions, Joe Reid added 13 points.  Paulk and DaAaron Ward had nine rebounds each to lead the Bears.  Aquil Younger had seven assists to pace the squad.

Emilio Parks was JCSU's top scorer with 24 points.  LeMarquis Letchaw had 12 and Antwan Wilkerson had ten, as well.  Wilkerson's six rebounds topped the Golden Bulls, while Robert Williams and Richard Daniels had five assists apiece.

The Bears now wait word on the final tournament  pairings, but the win should mean a bye in the first round.  The tournamet bracket will be released on Sunday.