BALTIMORE, MD — February 25, 2026 — Winston-Salem State (24–3) opened its CIAA Tournament run with a dominant 71–49 victory over Bluefield State (15–12) at CFG Bank Arena, riding a physical interior presence, a relentless second-half push, and a standout performance from Food Lion Player of the Game Makayla Waleed. With the win, the Rams advance to face the winner of the Claflin/Virginia State matchup on Friday, February 27, at 12:00 PM.

The game opened as a defensive tug-of-war, with both teams exchanging early blows and tying six times in the first half. Bluefield State initiated the scoring behind a strong start from Jasmine Jenkins, whose early aggression kept the Big Blue in rhythm. But Winston-Salem State’s balanced scoring began to surface late in the first quarter, punctuated by key plays from Breonna Roaf, Jakaiya Mack, and Waleed to give the Rams a slim 13–11 edge after one.

The second quarter shifted the entire landscape of the game.

Winston-Salem State exploded for 27 points in the second period, capitalizing on a string of Bluefield State turnovers and finding high-percentage looks at the rim. Waleed, who finished with a game-high 19 points, attacked in transition and scored on consecutive possessions to spark the Rams’ momentum. Meanwhile, Mack and Maia Charles controlled the boards and disrupted Bluefield State’s interior efforts, helping WSSU head into halftime with a 40–34 advantage.

After the break, the Rams’ defensive intensity reached another gear. They held Bluefield State to just nine points in the third quarter and six in the fourth, forcing tough shots, crashing the defensive glass, and limiting second-chance opportunities. WSSU’s size and athleticism in the paint proved overwhelming, as they generated 52 points inside, nearly doubling Bluefield’s production and setting the tone physically.

Bluefield State searched for answers throughout the second half, receiving steady efforts from Jenkins (13 points, 6 rebounds) and Azahreya Drayton-Gill, who recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and 9 points. Michelle McGee added 11 points off the bench, providing much-needed scoring in spurts. But turnovers and scoring droughts ultimately derailed the Big Blue’s efforts, as they finished with 32 giveaways against the Rams’ ball pressure.

Winston-Salem State, on the other hand, saw its depth shine. Nine players scored, with Waleed leading a balanced attack that included double-figure efforts from Mack (13 points) and Charles (10 points). The Rams also won the rebounding battle decisively, grabbing 47 boards, including 15 offensive rebounds that kept possessions alive and wore down Bluefield State’s defense.

Down the stretch, WSSU continued to extend its lead through transition buckets, put-backs, and relentless defense, closing the game on a commanding fourth-quarter run to secure the 22-point victory.

For complete tournament coverage, schedules, and updates, visit CIAATournament.org.