Winston-Salem State Wins First CIAA Women’s Basketball Championship, Defeats Fayetteville State 60–43
BALTIMORE, MD.- Winston-Salem State Rams women's basketball made program history on Sunday, defeating Fayetteville State Broncos women's basketball 60–43 to claim the program’s first-ever Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women’s Basketball Championship at CFG Bank Arena.
The Rams capped off a remarkable 26–3 season with a dominant, disciplined performance, controlling the game from the opening quarter and never relinquishing their lead. With relentless defense and timely scoring, Winston-Salem State delivered the defining moment in program history, outlasting a Fayetteville State team that battled until the final buzzer.
WSSU CHAMPIONSHIP- CIAA | PHOTO: CIAA
Junior guard Nevaeh Farmer led the way with a championship-caliber performance. Named Food Lion Player of the Game, Farmer scored 24 points, knocked down five three-pointers, and recorded five steals to power the Rams on both ends of the floor.
Makayla Waleed added 14 points in the victory and was later named CIAA Tournament MVP. Forward Maia Charlescontributed across the stat sheet with 10 points, seven rebounds, and six steals, helping anchor the Rams’ defensive effort throughout the contest.
Fayetteville State (21–5) showed resilience despite offensive struggles. Junior guard Talia Trotter led the Broncos with 14 points and nine rebounds, while freshman guard Samiyah Barker added 12 points as the Broncos attempted to rally from an early deficit.
As the final quarter began, Fayetteville State made one last push. After Waleed opened the period with a basket, Barker answered with a three-pointer from the wing to cut the Rams’ lead to 47–35 and ignite the Broncos’ bench.
However, Winston-Salem State continued to respond with composure. Waleed delivered a clutch pull-up jumper to stretch the lead back to double digits, and later Alana Biosse added a transition jumper to extend the advantage to 51–35, halting Fayetteville State’s momentum.
Trotter kept fighting for the Broncos, scoring on a driving layup and later adding a jumper with under four minutes remaining. Fayetteville State’s defense created opportunities by limiting Winston-Salem State to single-shot possessions, but missed opportunities inside prevented the Broncos from closing the gap.
A fastbreak layup from Amina Miles cut the deficit to 55–40 with just over four minutes to play. Moments later, Waleed attacked the basket for a layup at the 2:40 mark, pushing the Rams’ lead to 59–42 and effectively sealing the championship.
Fayetteville State had several late looks from beyond the arc, but shots rimmed out as Winston-Salem State controlled the boards to secure the historic win.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Rams rushed to midcourt in celebration, marking the first CIAA Women’s Basketball Championship in Winston-Salem State history.
2026 CIAA Women’s Basketball All-Tournament Team
Tyra Floyd – Claflin Panthers women's basketball
Nevaeh Colon – Fayetteville State Broncos women's basketball
Makayla Waleed – Winston-Salem State Rams women's basketball
Mayah Garner – Bowie State Bulldogs women's basketball
Jasmine Jenkins – Bluefield State Big Blue women's basketball
Bruni Martinez – Virginia Union Panthers women's basketball
Jakaiya Mack – Winston-Salem State Rams women's basketball
Ashari Lewis – Claflin Panthers women's basketball
Talia Trotter – Fayetteville State Broncos women's basketball
Nevaeh Farmer – Winston-Salem State Rams women's basketball
2026 CIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament MVP
Nevaeh Farmer – Winston-Salem State
2026 CIAA Women’s Team Sportsmanship Award
Virginia State Trojans women's basketball