WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball team will continue conference play by hosting Claflin University on Thursday before traveling to Fayetteville State University on Saturday.
Things to Know-Thursday
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C. (C.E. Gaines Center)
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Media:
Watch|
Live Stats
Theme: Pink Game
Record: 11-10 (4-8 CIAA)
Things to Know-Saturday
Location: Fayetteville, N.C. (Felton J. Capel Arena)
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Media:
Watch |
Live Stats
Record: 15-6 (10-2 CIAA)
Series vs Claflin
Dating back to 2005, the Rams lead the series 8-3 with the last matchup being on January 18, 2023, where the Rams won 59-53.
Series vs FSU
Dating back to 2006, the series is tied at 13-13 with the last matchup being on January 21, 2023, and the Rams lost 61-65.
Ram Returners:
WSSU brings back six returners from last season's quad, junior
Erin Hall, graduate student
O'Shea Hatley, senior
Kendra Ross, sophomore
Kennedi Simmons, graduate student
Amaya Tucker, and sophomore Tania Wilkins. They finished 12-13 and made it to the quarterfinals of the CIAA tournament last season.
Ram Newcomers:
Winston-Salem welcomed in five freshmen (JaKaiya Mack,
Prophet Sheffield,
Alexandria Warren, Aaliyah Basler, and
Jada Douthit), three juniors
Hadiya Balser,
Jainaya Jones,
Makayla Smith, and senior
Valencia Carroll during the offseason.
CIAA Preseason:
Amaya Tucker was named to the 2022-2023 All-CIAA Women's Basketball Preseason Team Backcourt after finishing last season averaging 13.6 pts per game, 43.3% field goal, 36.7% 3pt, 66.7% from the free throw line, and 4.2 rebounds per game. Amaya's performance led to her achieving All-CIAA Backcourt in the postseason. She was also named to the CIAA All-tournament team.
CIAA Weekly Awards
- Jakaiya Mack was named the CIAA Women's Basketball Rookie Player of the Week for week one. She totaled 9 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a 1-1 weekend for the Rams. She had nine points, five rebounds, and two steals in her first collegiate game, which came against Fairmont State. The freshman added a team-high seven boards, plus two assists, and a steal in the 66-65 win over Concord.
- Jainaya Jones was named the CIAA Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the week for week three after recording 10 points, nine steals, five assists, and two blocks in the Rams' lone game last week-- a 79-46 win over Carolina University. The redshirt junior logged nine of the team's 19 steals, which finished with 33 points off turnovers. The Bayboro, NC native also logged the only two blocks of the game for Winston-Salem State.
- Taniah Wilkins was named the CIAA Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the week for week eight after recording a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds in the loss to #2 Glenville State last week. 11 boards from the sophomore were a game-high and she made five-of-six shots from the field.
CIAA Top-Ten Stats as of 2-7
• The Rams are second in scoring offense averaging 69.2 points per game.
• WSSU is fifth in defense, only allowing teams 59.1 points per game.
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Amaya Tucker is ranked second in scoring with 301 points and averaging 16.7 points. She is also third in field goal percentage (.435), second in 3-point field goals per game (2.1), fourth in free throw percentage (.767), and third in steals (2.8).
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Jainaya Jones is ranked third in assists (3.2).
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Taniah Wilkins is ranked fifth in rebounds (7.1).
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Jakaiya Mack is ranked first in steals (3.0).
Setting Milestones
Amaya Tucker has surpassed 1,000 career points in her collegiate career. She currently sits at 1,163 points.
Amaya Tucker is two three-pointers away from breaking the all-time three-point record currently held by Tiana Edwards, 18'.
Scouting Report
WSSU is 12-8 (8-4 CIAA) after losing to St. Augustine on February 4th. The Lady Rams are averaging 70.1 points per game while allowing 58.3. They shoot 42% from the field, 33% from three-point range, and 65% from the foul line. WSSU averages 39.5 rebounds and 14 assists per game. They also are averaging 20 turnovers per game while allowing opponents to score 13 points off turnovers.
Claflin University is 11-10 (4-8 CIAA) and won their last matchup against Livingstone College 60-56. The Panthers are shooting 40% from the field and are averaging 67.5 points per contest. They currently rank first in the conference in free throw percentage (74%). Nya Morris leads the team with 12.4 points per game; shooting 48% from the field, and averages 5.8 rebounds for the Panthers.
FSU 15-6 (10-2 CIAA) beat Johnson C. Smith 60-59 on February 4th. They are 9th in scoring offense (60.3) and second on defense (57.2). The Broncos are led by Aniylah Bryant who leads the team in scoring (11.6). London Thompson is the teams leading rebounder averaging (6.4).
