Winston-Salem, N.C. -  The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball team defeated Francis Marion University 63-53, inside the C.E. Gaines Center.

The Rams improved (6-1, 0-0 CIAA) on the season.

Ah'Kiyah Pye led the Rams with 19 points, followed by Maia Charles with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. 

Quick Inside the Numbers

The Rams went 24-of-62 from the field, 4-of-19 from three, 11-of-21 from the free-throw line. The Rams grabbed 42 rebounds, scored 36 points in the paint, forced 27 turnovers, scored 36 points off turnovers, and had 19 steals. 

 How It Happened

In the first quarter, Maia Charles gave the Rams an early 6-0 lead on a lay-up (6:42). The Patriots went on a 7-2 run, cutting the Rams lead to 8-7 on a and-one (5:14). A Ah'Kiyah Pye three-pointer extended the Rams lead to 13-8 (3:06). WSSU went on a 6-2 run, extending their lead to 19-10 on a Maia Charles free-throw (1:07). WSSU took a 19-14 lead into the second quarter. 

In the second quarter, FMU went on a 6-2 run, cutting the Rams lead to 21-20 on a three-pointer (5:10). A Khloe Thompson three-pointer gave the Rams a 26-22 (3:20). A Patriots three-pointer made the score 26-25 (2:55). The Rams went on a 6-0 run, taking a 32-25 lead on a Maia Charles lay-up (1:17). The Rams took a 34-29 into halftime. 

In the third quarter, the Rams went on a 5-2 run, extending their lead to 38-31 on a Jakaiya Mack lay-up (6:53). A Ah'Kiyah Pye three-pointer gave the Rams a 44-36 lead (3:50). The Patriots cut the Rams lead to 46-40 (1:36). WSSU took a 47-43 lead into the fourth quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, a Ah'Kiyah Pye jumper pushed the Rams lead to 51-43 (9:12). FMU cut the lead to 51-47, on a jumper (8:32).  The Rams took a 59-51 lead, on a Makayla Waleed lay-up (4:15). WSSU lead grew to 63-53. 

Up Next

The Lady Rams will then open up conference play, traveling to Bowie, Maryland, taking on Bowie State University on December 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. inside the A.C. Jordan Arena.