Charlotte, NC (January 13, 2026) – Week Nine of CIAA Basketball was defined by dominant post play, elite rim protection, high-efficiency scoring, and impactful rookie performances as teams battled through a competitive early January slate. The week featured record-setting efforts, breakout performances, and defensive standouts across both divisions. The CIAA recognizes six student athletes for their outstanding play during the week of January 4 through January 10.
WOMEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY (Jan. 4–Jan. 10)
CIAA women’s programs showcased strong interior scoring, disruptive defensive pressure, and consistent production from veteran anchors and emerging freshmen. Winston-Salem State continued its winning streak behind dominant post performances, while Livingstone showcased elite rebounding and rim protection during a demanding three-game stretch.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Maia Charles, Winston-Salem State
Charles delivered a dominant two-game week, powering Winston-Salem State with elite interior scoring, relentless rebounding, and game-changing rim protection. The sophomore forward was unstoppable in the paint, posting back-to-back double doubles and anchoring the Rams at both ends of the floor.
Across the week, Charles totaled 53 points, 23 rebounds, 11 blocks, and six steals while shooting an exceptional 25-for-33 from the field and 7-for-9 from the free throw line. She averaged 26.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game while leading WSSU to a pair of convincing victories.
Her signature performance came on January 7 against Bluefield State, where she erupted for a season-high 30 points, 11 rebounds, 14-for-19 shooting, seven blocks, and one steal in an 81–64 win. She followed with 23 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, and five steals in a January 10 victory over Elizabeth City State, helping the Rams set a new program record with 13 straight wins.
Game by Game Highlights:
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vs Bluefield State (1/7/26) – W 81–64: 30 points, 11 rebounds, 14-for-19 FG, 7 blocks, 1 steal
Defensive Player of the Week
Breasia Coit, Livingstone
Coit delivered a dominant defensive week, controlling the interior with exceptional rebounding, rim protection, and physical presence across three contests. The junior forward’s shot blocking and activity around the basket anchored Livingstone on both ends of the floor.
For the week, Coit totaled 36 points, 32 rebounds, nine blocks, and two steals while contributing timely scoring and playmaking. She posted double digit rebounds in all three games and consistently altered shots around the rim.
Her strongest showing came on January 5 at Lincoln (PA), where she recorded 11 points, 13 rebounds, a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line, four blocks, and one steal in a 74–52 win. She followed with 9 rebounds and a block against Virginia State and capped the week with 18 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, and a steal against Bluefield State.
Game by Game Highlights:
Rookie of the Week
Ah’Kiya Pye, Winston-Salem State
Pye continued her impressive freshman campaign with steady production and poised backcourt play during Winston-Salem State’s undefeated week. The first year guard delivered efficient scoring, timely playmaking, and strong rebounding contributions across two victories.
For the week, Pye totaled 22 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals while shooting 8-for-21 from the field, 2-for-5 from three, and 4-for-5 from the free throw line. She scored in double figures in both contests and helped fuel WSSU’s transition game and perimeter defense.
Her best performance came on January 7 against Bluefield State, when she scored 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting, added three assists, grabbed three rebounds, and tallied a steal in an 81–64 win. She matched that scoring output with another 11 points on January 10 against Elizabeth City State.
Game by Game Highlights:
MEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY (Jan. 4–Jan. 10)
CIAA men’s programs showcased elite scoring from veteran players, strong interior defense, and impactful contributions from emerging freshmen. Fayetteville State delivered a commanding two-game stretch behind dominant wing play, while Lincoln (PA) continued to rely on defensive toughness in multiple tightly contested matchups.
MEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Larry Howell, Fayetteville State
Howell delivered one of the most efficient scoring weeks of the season, posting back-to-back 23-point efforts while controlling the glass and providing all around production. The senior guard forward powered the Broncos with physical drives, elite free throw shooting, and consistent two-way play.
Across the week, Howell totaled 46 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block while shooting 20-for-21 from the free throw line and nearly fifty percent from the field. He averaged 23 points and nine rebounds per game while helping Fayetteville State secure two dominant victories.
His strongest showing came on January 8 against Virginia Union, where he scored 23 points with eight rebounds and two assists in a 75–62 win. He matched that scoring output on January 10 against Bowie State with 23 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and a block.
Game by Game Highlights:
Defensive Player of the Week
Amadou Fall, Lincoln (PA)
Fall anchored Lincoln’s defensive presence with a powerful three game stretch, posting elite shot blocking numbers and providing consistent interior resistance. The senior forward center delivered 11 total blocks across the week, including two games with four blocks, while also contributing on the glass and finishing efficiently around the rim.
For the week, Fall totaled 23 points, 19 rebounds, nine blocks, and three steals while shooting 11-for-23 from the field. His rim protection kept Lincoln within striking distance in multiple close contests.
He opened the week with 4 blocks against Johnson C. Smith, added 3 blocks at Shaw, and capped the week with another 4-block performance at Claflin.
Game by Game Highlights:
Rookie of the Week
William Hopkins, Virginia State
Hopkins delivered a strong three game week highlighted by two double figure scoring performances, efficient shooting, and active defensive play. The freshman guard provided valuable production on both ends while helping lead Virginia State through a competitive slate.
For the week, Hopkins totaled 34 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and six steals while shooting 16-for-33 from the field. He opened the week with a breakout 17-point effort and closed with another double figure outing to help VSU secure two wins.
His best performance came on January 5 against Cheyney, where he scored 17 points on 8-for-12 shooting with three rebounds, three steals, and two assists. He added 13 points in a January 10 victory at Johnson C. Smith.
Game by Game Highlights:
Fans can follow CIAA basketball all season long on the CIAA Sports Network and across official conference platforms.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.