WS Chronicle

Staff Report

The Winston-Salem Chronicle

The Winston-Salem State University Lady Rams are one step closer to a championship, overpowering Bluefield State University 71-49 on Tuesday inside CFG Bank Arena to advance to the CIAA Tournament semifinals.

With the win, Winston-Salem State improves to 24-3 overall and 14-2 in CIAA play, reinforcing its status as one of the conference’s dominant programs this season.

For a university with deep athletic and cultural roots, postseason play is more than competition — it is a point of pride for alumni, students and the broader community that has long rallied behind Rams athletics as a symbol of excellence and resilience.

Balanced Scoring, Relentless Defense

Makayla Waleed led the Rams with 19 points, setting the tone early and helping steady the team during a tightly contested first half. Jakaiya Mack added 13 points, while Maia Charles contributed 10.

WSSU shot 31-of-69 from the field and dominated the paint, scoring 52 points inside. The Lady Rams also grabbed 47 rebounds and forced 32 turnovers, converting defensive pressure into 17 steals — a defensive performance that ultimately broke the game open.

Though the Rams struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 2-for-16 from three-point range, their inside presence and transition defense proved decisive.

Game Flow

The first quarter remained close, with Waleed giving WSSU a narrow 7-6 lead midway through the period. The teams traded baskets before the Rams carried a slim 13-11 edge into the second quarter.

Bluefield State briefly tied the game early in the second period, but Winston-Salem State responded with a decisive 7-3 run. Mack’s layup at the 8-minute mark extended the lead, and Waleed later drilled a three-pointer to push the Rams ahead 38-32. WSSU entered halftime up 40-34.

The Rams created separation in the third quarter, opening with a 6-0 run capped by a Nevaeh Farmer layup. Mack extended the margin late in the quarter, and WSSU carried a 55-43 lead into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Rams’ defense clamped down, limiting Bluefield State to just six points over the final stretch. Ah’Kiyah Pye’s jumper midway through the quarter pushed the lead to 63-45, effectively sealing the outcome.

Why This Matters

The CIAA Tournament remains one of the most celebrated events among historically Black colleges and universities, drawing alumni, families and supporters from across the region. For Winston-Salem State — a cornerstone institution in the city — a deep tournament run strengthens school pride and brings national visibility to the program.

Athletic success also contributes to student recruitment, alumni engagement and institutional momentum, university officials have said in past seasons.

With a 24-win season already secured, the Lady Rams now position themselves as serious contenders for the conference crown.

What’s Next

Winston-Salem State will face either No. 3 South seed Claflin or No. 2 North seed Virginia State in the CIAA semifinals at noon Thursday at CFG Bank Arena.

A win would send the Lady Rams to the conference championship game — and one step closer to cutting down the nets.

For fans in Winston-Salem, the journey continues.