RALEIGH, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball team captured their second straight win of the new year defeating Shaw University 56-43, Saturday afternoon inside the C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium.
 
The Rams improve to 8-5 (4-1 CIAA), while the Bears move to 8-8 (1-3 CIAA).
 
Jainaya Jones led all scorers with 14 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Amaya Tucker and Kennedi Simmons added eight points each, while Erin Hall dished in seven.
 
WSSU scored 23 points off of the Bears' turnovers.
 
Jones hit back-to-back threes to give the Rams a 9-7 lead over the Bears. WSSU ended the quarter on a 9-2 run to end the quarter to take an 18-10 lead over the Bears.
 
The Bears came within two, 22-20 with 4:49 remaining in the half. The Rams ended the half on a 10-1 run to go into the half leading 32-22.
 
Kendra Ross hit a jumper with 4:17 to play in the quarter to give the Rams a 39-27 lead over the Bears. A forced turnover turned into a made layup from Makayla Smith put the Rams up 46-29 with 1:30 to play in the quarter. The Rams went into the fourth quarter leading 46-32.
 
The Rams increased their lead to 16, 50-34 with 6:28 remaining in the game. With 4:10 left to play on an inbound pass from Kennedi Simmons, Valencia Carroll drove to the lane for the easy lay-up to give the Rams a 52-38 lead. The Bears came within ten (52-42) with 1:32 to play. Made free throws sealed the deal for the Rams as they defeated the Bears 56-43.
 
WSSU will be back in action on Monday, January 9 taking on Elizabeth City inside R.L. Vaughn Center at 5:30 p.m.