WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball team will host Johnson C. Smith University on January 29. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 inside the C.E. Gaines Center. 

The Lady Rams will return to action on January 31, taking on Livingstone College. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. inside the C.E. Gaines Center.  

Things to Know vs Johnson C. Smith University 
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C. (C.E.Gaines Center)
Date/Time: Thursday, January 29| 5:30 p.m.
Media: Watch/Live Stats

Things to Know vs Livingstone College 
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C. (C.E.Gaines Center)
Date/Time: Saturday, January 31| 1:00 p.m.
Media: HBCUgo/Live Stats

Series Information vs Johnson C. Smith University 
Since 2006, the Golden Bulls have led the series 25-9.  Last time the Rams defeated the Golden Bulls 69-65on February 11, 2025. 

Series Information vs Livingstone College 
Since 2006, the Rams have led the series 17-14. Last time the Rams defeated the Blue Bears 66-55 on February 22, 2025. 

New Coaching Staff:
WSSU women's basketball enters a new era under the leadership of Coach Tierra Terry, no stranger to the CIAA as she was the head coach at Virginia Union. Coach Terry is also a graduate and former player for Winston-Salem State. She added coach Jessica Freeman and Dylan Anderson to her staff in the off-season.
 
Ram Returners:
The Rams brought back seven returners from last year's squad: sophomore Alana Biosse, junior Zion Dixon, and seniors Kierran Walker, Alexandria Warren, Jakaiya Mack, Chloe Williams and Jahmaria Miles.
 
Ram Newcomers:
During the off-season, WSSU welcomed in nine newcomers: freshman TaNiya Simms, Kloe Thompson, Taylor Simpson, Breonna Roaf, Amari Kilgore-Baldwin, sophomore Ah'Kiyah Pye, junior Neveah Farmer, senior Makayla Waleed and transfer sophomore Maia Charles.
 
CIAA Preseason/Polls:
The Lady Rams were selected to finish seventh in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) preseason poll.
Jakaiya Mack was named to the preseason team.

CIAA Weekly Awards 

• Ah'Kiyah Pye was named CIAA Rookie of the Week for week three. 
• Breonna Roaf was named CIAA Rookie of the Week for week four. 
• Ah'Kiyah Pye was named CIAA Rookie of the Week for week five. 
• Makayla Waleed was named CIAA Defensive Player of the Week for week six, while teammate Breonna Roaf was named CIAA Rookie of the Week. 
• Maia Charles was named CIAA Player of the Week, while Amari Baldwin was named Rookie of the Week for week eight.
• Maia Charles was named CIAA Player of the Week, while Ah'Kiyah Pye was named Rookie of the 
• Week for week nine.
• Breonna Roaf was named CIAA Player of the Week for week 10. 

WBCA Coaches Poll
The Lady Rams were ranked 18th in the WBCA Coaches Poll this week. 

Last Time Out
The Rams fell to Fayetteville State University 72-57 on January 27. Makayla Waleed led the Rams with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, followed by Nevaeh Farmer chipping in with 14 points. 

Scouting Report:
The Rams are led in scoring by Maia Charles, averaging 14.7 points, followed by Makayla Waleed with 11.6 points. WSSU is averaging 68.7 points per game. 

Johnson C. Smith University (7-9, 4-4 CIAA) 
The Golden Bulls defeated Shaw 50-42 on January 21. La'Niya Simes leads the Golden Bulls in scoring with 12.8 points per game, followed by Salote Franklin with 10.1 points per game. JCSU is averaging 56.2 points per game. 

Livingstone College (4-12, 3-5 CIAA) Play Shaw (Jan.29)
The Blue Bears fell to Fayetteville State 64-55 on January 21. Breasia Colt leads the Blue Bears in scoring with 13.1 points per game, followed by Nielle Reaves with 12.7 points per game. LC is averaging 65.8 points per game. 

Up Next
The Lady Rams will travel to Richmond, Virginia, taking on Virginia Union University on February 4. Tip-off scheduled for 5:30 inside Barco Stevens Hall.