WSSU Opens Season With Win Over Lees-McRae

WINSTON-SALEM N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team defeated Lees-McRae 69-51 in their home opener Wednesday night.

The Rams improved to (1-2, 0–0 CIAA) on the season.

Sierra Hunter led the Rams with an double-double 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Jakaiya Mack scored 12 points, Karina Scott had 11 points, and La’Niya Simes chipped in with eight points and 14 rebounds.

The Rams went 27-of-65 from the field, 3-of-11 from three, 12-of-22 from the free-throw line. The Rams grabbed 55 rebounds, and scored 40 points in the paint, 19 fast break points, 22 points off turnovers, 20 second chance points and 14 bench points.

In the first quarter, the Rams began the game on an 8-2 run, on a Jalessa Lainer jumper with 6:11 left. The Bobcats cut the score to 10-6 with 3:59 left. Back-to-back buckets by Alana Biosse made the score 14-6 with 1:29 left in the quarter. The Rams took a 14-9 lead into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Rams went on a 7-0 run, taking a 21-9 lead on two made Christiana McLean free throws with 8:36 remaining in the half. The Rams extended their lead 27-11, on a Jalessa Lainer lay-up with 5:33 left. Sierra Hunter made the score 30-14 on a lay-up with 2:17 to play in the quarter. Zion Duncan finished the and-one, making the score 35-18 with 16 seconds remaining. The Rams took a 35-18 lead into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Rams took a 19-point lead, 37-18, on a Jakiaya Mack lay-up with 9:21 left. The Rams extended their lead to 43-22, on a La’Niiya Simes lay-up with 6:31 left. The Bobcats cut the lead down to 48-35 with a three-pointer with 2:49 on the clock. Karina Scott hit a three-pointer, making the score 53-37 with 1:23 left. The Rams took a 55-37 lead into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, La’Niya Simes made the score 57-41, on a lay-up with 8:35 left. Karina Scott made the score 61-43, on a lay-up with 6:39 left. A Karina Scott three-pointer gave the Rams a 66-46 lead, with 4:24 left.

The women will be back in action on Friday, November 15th heading down to Spartanburg, South Carolina to play Converse University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. inside Weisiger Center.

Courtesy of Winston-Salem State University Athletics.