GAME PREVIEW - Fayetteville State Broncos vs. Winston-Salem State Rams
Women's Basketball**

Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: Bronco Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

Fayetteville State (13–2, 7–1 CIAA) and Winston-Salem State (16–1, 7–0 CIAA) collide in a high-stakes rivalry matchup with major implications in the CIAA Southern Division race. The Broncos' efficient, balanced playstyle meets the Rams' high-pressure, fast-paced attack in what promises to be a spirited conference showdown.
 
FAYETTEVILLE STATE BRONCOS (13–2, 7–1 CIAA)
The Broncos continue their strong season behind a defensive-minded identity, a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } versatile scoring threats, and one of the CIAA's most efficient passing offenses. Fayetteville State averages 66.8 points per game and holds teams to 55.3, using discipline and depth to dominate late in games.

Top Statistical Leaders 

• KaNyah O'Neal (10.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.4 SPG) - O'Neal is the Broncos' most dynamic two-way threat, leading the team in scoring and steals while sparking transition offense.
• Talia Trotter (9.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.5 APG) - Trotter orchestrates the offense with elite vision, entering the matchup as one of the CIAA's top facilitators.
• Kelis Carmon (7.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG) - Carmon anchors the interior with physical rebounding and rim protection that consistently disrupts opponents.
• Taleah Stephens (7.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, .532 FG) - Stephens gives FSU efficient frontcourt production, shooting a team-best 53% from the field.

  WINSTON-SALEM STATE RAMS (16–1, 7–0 CIAA)
Winston-Salem State enters as one of the toughest defensive teams in the league, thriving on turnover pressure and fast-break scoring. The Rams average 69.4 points per game and boast a +15.6 scoring margin, using their relentless defense to fuel offense.

Top Statistical Leaders

• Maia Charles (15.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.5 BPG) - Charles is the Rams' dominant force inside, combining elite scoring efficiency with premier shot-blocking ability.
• Makayla Waleed (11.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.1 SPG) - Waleed impacts every possession with her defensive instincts, ranking among the CIAA's most disruptive guards.
• Ah'Kiyah Pye (11.8 PPG / 8.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG) - Pye supplies reliable backcourt scoring with strong shooting efficiency and versatility on the perimeter.
• Nevaeh Farmer (8.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.9 APG) - Farmer serves as the Rams' steady two-way glue player, contributing across all statistical categories.

  WHAT TO EXPECT

• A defensive chess match between two teams that excel at creating steals and limiting high-percentage shots.
• A physical rebounding battle, with both teams averaging nearly 40 boards per game.
• Turnover pressure from WSSU, which forces nearly 28 opponent turnovers per contest.
• FSU's half-court discipline versus the Rams' transition-heavy offensive style.
• A key matchup in the paint, featuring Charles' interior scoring against FSU's rotating post defenders.
• Guard play that sets the tone, with O'Neal and Trotter countering Waleed and Pye's aggressive perimeter defense.

  KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Ball security will be decisive, as FSU averages 18.1 turnovers while WSSU forces 27.9.
• FSU holds the shooting advantage, entering with a higher field-goal and three-point percentage.
• WSSU thrives on chaos, outscoring opponents 27.6–15.6 in points off turnovers.
• The Broncos' depth may provide an edge, with multiple rotation players contributing 4–7 points nightly.

  SUMMARY
Two of the CIAA's best collide as Fayetteville State hosts Winston-Salem State in a matchup loaded with energy, rivalry pride, and standings implications. FSU's defensive structure and balanced scoring meet a WSSU squad built on pace, pressure, and physicality. With star power on both sides and contrasting styles at play, this contest promises to deliver one of the most compelling atmospheres of the season.