WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball team edged out UVA Wise 53-51 inside the C.E. Gaines Center.
 
The Rams improved to (6-9, 0–5 CIAA).
 
Jakaiya Mack led the Rams with 13 points, and Chloe Williams scored 11. Kennedi Simmons chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds.
 
Quick Inside the Numbers
The Rams went 20-of-52 from the field, 6-of-12 from the free-throw line, and 7-of-20 from three. The Rams grabbed 34 rebounds, 15 points off turnovers, 26 points in the paint, 27 bench points, and forced 21 turnovers.
 
In the first quarter, the Cavaliers took an early 10-6 lead on a 7-0 run with 5:06 left. Chloe Williams would end the run with a three-pointer making the score 10-9 UVA Wise with 4:04 left. Jakiaya Mack gave the Rams the lead back with a lay-up, 11-10 with 3:08 left. The score would be tied 16-16 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, with the Cavaliers up 22-18 Kennedi Simmons hit a three-pointer making the score 22-21 UVA Wise with 7:26 left. Tolisha Walker put the Rams back in front with a jumper 26-25 with 3:58 left. The Rams took a 29-27 lead into halftime. 
 
In the second half, the Rams went on a 10-2 run that saw their lead grow to six points 41-35 on two made free-throws by Jakiaya Mack with 5:36 left in the third quarter. The Rams would take a 45-41 lead in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, Kennedi Simmons pushed the Ram's lead back to six points with a three-pointer to make 49-43 with 8:21 left. Sierra Hunter would give the Rams their largest lead of eight points, on a jumper 51-43 with 7:45 left. The Cavaliers would close out the game on an 8-2 run. The Rams' defense held strong as Amaya Tucker denied the Cavaliers any chance of a last-second shot, and Tucker stole the ball away and sealed the victory for the Rams.
 
Up Next
The Rams will continue conference play on Saturday, January 13th traveling to Bluefield, West Virginia. The Rams will take on Bluefield State University, tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.