WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball team holds off Carolina University 57-53, inside the C.E. Gaines Center. 

The Rams improved (2-5, 0–0 CIAA) on the season.

La'Niya Simes led the Rams with nine points, followed by Sierra Hunter chipping in with six points and seven rebounds. 

Quick Inside the Numbers
The Rams went 18-of-76 from the field, 4-of-24 from three, and 17-of-23 from the free-throw line. The Rams grabbed 45 rebounds, and scored 18 points in the paint, 21 points off turnovers, 21 second-chance points, and 29 bench points. 

How it Happened
In the first quarter, the Bruins began the game on a 5-0 run. Sierra Hunter got the Rams on board with a lay-up, making the score 5-2 (7:04). The Bruins went on a 7-1 run, taking a 12-3 lead with 2:36 remaining in the quarter. The Rams went on a 6-0 run, cutting the score to 12-9, on two, Zion Duncan free-throws. The Bruins took a 12-9 lead into the second quarter. 

In the second quarter, Kierran Walker tied the game 12-12 on a three-pointer (9:51). The Rams went on a 9-0 run, taking a 26-21 lead on a Christiana Mclean jumper with 3:39 remaining in the half. The Bruins answered back with an 8-0 run, taking a 29-26 lead with 56 seconds left. After multiple offensive rebounds, a Christiana McLean lay-up made the score 29-28 with 36 seconds remaining in the quarter. Alana Biosse gave the Rams a 30-29 lead as time expired going into the half. 

In the third quarter, two made free throws by Chloe Williams, extended the Rams lead to 32-29. The Bruins went on an 8-0 run taking a 37-32 with 6:58 left. Karina Scott stopped the run with a three-pointer, making the score 37-35 (6:48). The Bruins extended their lead to 43-37 with 5:33 left to play in the quarter. La'Niya Simes cut the score to 43-39, on a jumper (4:52). The Rams went on a 9-0 run, taking a 48-46 on a La'Niya Simes jumper. The Bruins took a 49-48 lead into the fourth quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, Sierra Hunter put the Rams back ahead on a jumper 50-49 with 6:17 left in the game. La'Niya Simes extended the score to 53-49, on a lay-up with 4:24 remaining. Chloe Williams connected on two free-throws, giving the Rams a 57-50 lead with 12 seconds remaining in the game. The Rams defeated the Bruins 57-53. 

Up Next 
The women will play in High Point University in their final exhibition on Friday, December 6th. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. inside Qubein Center.