Ettrick, Va. – The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball team began the new year with a 64-53 victory over Virginia State Thursday night inside the Multipurpose Center.

The Rams improved to 7-5 (3-1 CIAA) while VSU moved to 6-7 (2-2 CIAA).

Amaya Tucker led all scorers with 19 points, followed by Taniah Wilkins who had nine points and nine rebounds. Valencia Carroll finished with nine points and five assists and Jakaiya Mack dished in eight points.

The Rams got on the board first with a three from Amaya Tucker. The Rams came back down 11-10 with 2:00 minutes left and ended the quarter down 16-14.

The Rams took the lead with 7:19 to play in the half on a layup from Valencia Carroll. We were all tied at 22 with 3:22 to play in the half. Amaya Tucker hit a three with 1:05 to bring the Rams within two, and with 1.2 seconds left to play a foul sent her to the line to tie the game at 27 going into halftime.

Jakaiya Mack forced a turnover and passed the ball to Valencia Carroll who gave the ball to Amaya Tucker for the layup to give the Rams a 32-31 lead with 7:18 to play in the quarter. Then, Jakaiya Mack hit a three to give the Rams a 35-31 lead with 6:21 to go in the quarter. Valencia Carroll hit a three to give the Rams a 42-34 lead with 2:32 to play in the quarter. Valencia Carroll hit a three at the buzzer to give the Rams a 48-35 lead over VSU.

Alexandria Warren hit a two with 7:31 remaining in the game to put the Rams up 52-38 in the game. With 2:33 left in the game, the Rams were up 15, 58-43, and finished the game with an 11-point lead.

WSSU is back in action on Saturday, January 7 taking on Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.