The Winston-Salem State Rams have advanced in the women’s bracket of the CIAA tournament following a thrilling 62-59 win over the Bowie State Bulldogs.
Winston-Salem State gets its revenge against Bowie State after losing 58-38 in their lone regular season encounter this year.
The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Rams entering the tournament.
Former CIAA Player of the Year Amaya Tucker shouldered the offensive load for the Rams, scoring 25 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting from the field and connecting on two three-pointers. She also recorded four rebounds and four assists.
The Bulldogs were led by Jayla Irvin, who finished with 24 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Anii Harris scored 16 points, though struggled from the field, making 5 of 16 shot attempts.
// @wssuwhoops take the WIN
pic.twitter.com/qshWiJuVkK
— CIAA (@CIAAForLife) February 27, 2024
After a tight first quarter, the Rams created some separation in the second, outscoring the Bulldogs 19-8, taking a 31-21 lead into halftime.
Turnovers proved costly for the Bulldogs in the second quarter, committing six (13 total in the first half).
Tucker was also a catalyst for WSSU’s strong run, scoring 14 of her 25 points in the first half.
Bowie State, however, got themselves back in the game, outscoring Winston-Salem State 10-2 in the first four minutes of the third quarter, trimming the deficit to two points.
After briefly taking back the lead, Tucker knocked down a three-pointer to end the period, tying the game and entering the final stanza.
Amaya Tucker is a walkin’ bucket
#FebruaryisCIAA x @WSSU_Athletics pic.twitter.com/e8igh2Ksxb
— CIAA (@CIAAForLife) February 27, 2024
In the game’s final seconds, tied at 61, Tucker once again produced a big bucket, driving in for an and-one layup to seal the victory for Winston-Salem State.
Winston-Salem State will now advance to face the CIAA South’s third-seeded Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls tomorrow as part of the second set of opening-round games.
