WS Chronicle

Staff Report

The Winston-Salem Chronicle

For a Winston-Salem State women’s basketball team that delivered one of the most dominant seasons in program history, the final seconds of the year came down to a single shot — and a narrow miss.

The No. 13 Winston-Salem State University Lady Rams fell 65-64 to Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Championship inside the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex, ending a record-setting season one possession short of a national tournament breakthrough.

The loss closes the Rams’ season at 28-4 overall, including a 14-2 mark in CIAA play and an 8-2 record in the South Division — a campaign that stands among the best in program history and underscores the team’s rise as a regional powerhouse.

“This group set a standard,” team officials said following the game, pointing to both the win total and postseason run as benchmarks for the program.

Senior guard Ah’Kiyah Pye led the Rams with 16 points, while Makayla Waleed and Alana Biosse each added 11. The Rams shot 25-of-62 from the field and forced 19 turnovers, showcasing the defensive intensity that fueled their season.

A game of runs and resilience

Winston-Salem State showed early composure, closing the first quarter on a 9-2 run to take a 15-14 lead. The Rams extended that momentum in the second quarter, building a 10-point advantage after a 9-0 run capped by a Biosse three-pointer.

But Indiana (Pa.) responded before halftime, trimming the deficit and eventually tying the game early in the third quarter. From there, the contest became a back-and-forth battle defined by timely shots and defensive stops.

Waleed’s three-pointer midway through the third quarter and her late layup in the fourth helped the Rams maintain a slim edge. With just 36 seconds remaining, Pye knocked down a free throw to give Winston-Salem State a 64-60 lead — putting the team within reach of a regional title.

The Crimson Hawks answered with a go-ahead three-pointer with six seconds left, silencing the Rams’ momentum and shifting the pressure to a final possession.

Breonna Roaf’s last-second jumper missed as time expired.

Historic season, lasting impact

Despite the loss, the Lady Rams’ 28-win season marks a milestone moment for Winston-Salem State athletics — particularly for a program that continues to build national relevance while competing in the CIAA, one of the nation’s premier historically Black athletic conferences.

The team’s deep postseason run also highlights broader momentum in women’s sports at HBCUs, where investment, visibility, and competitive success are steadily increasing.

For Winston-Salem residents and alumni, the Lady Rams’ season represents more than wins and losses. It reflects institutional pride, student-athlete excellence, and the continued elevation of HBCU programs on a national stage.

The Rams’ ability to compete — and nearly win — against top regional opponents signals a narrowing gap and a program poised for sustained success.

What comes next

With several key contributors expected to return and a foundation built on defense and discipline, Winston-Salem State enters the offseason with momentum — and expectations.

The program will now turn toward recruiting, player development, and preparation for another CIAA title push, as it looks to convert this year’s historic run into a future championship breakthrough.

For now, the 2025 season will be remembered for both its promise and its poise — a year when the Lady Rams proved they belong among the nation’s elite, even as the final buzzer brought a difficult end.