The Winston-Salem State Rams women’s basketball team made history in their 55-40 Thursday evening win over the Claflin Panthers.
Winston-Salem State claimed its fifth straight victory, improving its overall record to 21-2, setting a new school record for wins in a season.
Navaeh Farmer was the Lady Rams’ top performer, notching her first double-double of the season with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and five steals.
Makayla Waleed added seven points and seven steals while Maia Charles posted five points, 10 rebounds, and two steals.
Claflin was paced by Ashari Lewis, recording 11 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Ariel Lucas contributed six points and three steals.
The Lady Rams ended the first quarter trailing 18-8 after shooting 20% from the field in the opening period (3-of-15).
They turned things around in the second quarter, with their most efficient shooting output, outscoring the Lady Panthers 10-0 in the paint in the period.
With both teams struggling from the field in the second half, it was WSSU’s ability to get to the free-throw line that made the difference, hitting 10 of its 12 free throws in the half.
The free-throw differential played a significant role in the Rams’ outscoring the Panthers 34-15 in the second half on their way to victory.
Winston-Salem State is now tied atop the CIAA South with Fayetteville State, each holding 6-1 records in division play.
As it currently stands, Fayetteville State would get the edge in a tiebreaker scenario, with a +1 point differential advantage in its two meetings against WSSU.
The Rams will continue their battle for the division’s number one seed when they host Shaw on Saturday.
