The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams kept their winning ways going Wednesday evening, taking down the Claflin Panthers 50-41 for their 16th straight win.
Winston-Salem improves its overall record to 16-1 (7-0 in conference play, equaling its win total over the previous two seasons.
Their nine-point margin of victory is the slimmest they’ve had in a game since they beat Ferrum College 47-44 on December 18.
On the other hand, Claflin has now lost three straight games, dropping to 9-5 overall on the season, including a 5-3 conference record.
Jakaiya Mack led the Rams with nine points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Nevaeh Farmer followed closely behind with eight points and nine rebounds.
After missing the team’s win over Shaw on Saturday, Maia Charles returned to the lineup, coming off the bench to contribute six points, four rebounds, and three blocks in 17 minutes.
Claflin’s Ashari Lewis led all scorers with 13 points, while Mia Lewis came off the bench to score 12 points.
This was a wire-to-wire win for Winston-Salem State despite committing 24 turnovers compared to 17 by the Panthers. However, the Rams ‘ struggles shooting through the first three quarters allowed Claflin to keep the game close entering the fourth.
That being said, a three-point barrage in the fourth quarter catalyzed the Rams’ building a 17-point lead, putting the game completely out of reach.
Winston-Salem State will now look forward to its toughest test of the season, going on the road to face the two-time defending champion Fayetteville State Broncos this Saturday.
Fayetteville State improved to 13-2, winning its sixth straight after taking down Livingstone 64-55 on the road. The Rams are looking for their first win against the Broncos since 2022.
