2026 Food Lion CIAA Women's Basketball Championship – GAME NOTES
Fayetteville State University (#2 South) vs. Winston-Salem State University (#1 South)
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 • 1:00 PM • CFG Bank Arena (Baltimore, MD)
Championship Saturday in Baltimore—Fayetteville State and #19 Winston-Salem State settle a South Division rubber match for the CIAA crown. FSU leads the series 39–25 since 1979 and owns a neutral-site CIAA win over WSSU in 2020. They split this season—FSU by 15 in January on paint dominance, WSSU by 14 in February on turnovers and the glass. The Broncos bring the nation's #1 field-goal defense and the CIAA's top assist game—possessions, boards, and poise decide the crown.
Storylines
- Rubber Match: The teams split the regular season—FSU 72–57 (Jan. 27) and WSSU 50–36 (Feb. 7).
- Title Stakes: FSU aims for a third straight CIAA crown in Baltimore; WSSU enters ranked #19 and has rolled through the bracket.
- Identity Clash: FSU owns the No. 1 opponent FG% defense in Division II; WSSU is among the nation's best in turnover margin and steals.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
- Series (since 1979): FSU leads 39–25
- Last 10: FSU leads 7–3
- 2025–26 Meetings: Split—FSU +15 at home; WSSU +14 at home
- CIAA Neutral Note: FSU beat WSSU 64–46 in the 2020 semifinals (neutral)
🏀 CIAA Tournament History: FSU vs. WSSU
Fourth All‑Time Meeting in the CIAA Tournament
Saturday's championship is the fourth CIAA Tournament matchup between the Broncos and Lady Rams—and the first time the programs meet for the CIAA title.
1979 – Norfolk, VA (Semifinals)
FSU 84, WSSU 76
FSU advanced and won the CIAA Championship (63–61 vs. Virginia State).
2005 – Raleigh, NC (Tournament)
WSSU 70, FSU 60
WSSU evened the postseason ledger with a 10-point win.
2020 – Charlotte, NC (Semifinals)
FSU 64, WSSU 46
FSU advanced and captured the 2020 CIAA title.
2026 – Baltimore, MD (Championship)
FSU vs. WSSU — First championship‑game meeting
CIAA Tournament Series: FSU leads 2–1 in postseason meetings.
FSU CIAA Tournament History
- CIAA Championships (6): 1979, 2001, 2010, 2020, 2024, 2025
- Runner‑Up Finishes (6): 1976, 1997, 1999, 2013, 2014, 2019
- Back‑to‑back Baltimore titles (2024 & 2025)
FSU Statistical Profile (2025–26)
Defensive DNA
- #1 in NCAA FG% defense (31.1%)
- #3 in CIAA scoring defense (53.5 PPG)
Ball Movement & Efficiency
- #1 in CIAA assists per game (14.6)
- #1 in CIAA assist/turnover ratio (0.79)
Rebounding & Rim Protection
- #1 in CIAA defensive rebounds (29.3/gm)
- #3 in CIAA blocks (5.0/gm)
Depth & Disruption
- #4 in CIAA bench scoring (26.6 PPG)
- #6 in CIAA steals (11.6/gm)
WSSU Statistical Profile (2025–26)
Defense & Pressure
- #3 in NCAA three‑point defense (23.5%)
- #2 in CIAA scoring defense (52.4 PPG)
Turnover Creation
- #2 in CIAA turnover margin (+7.26)
- #2 in CIAA turnovers forced (26.2/gm)
Rebounding Power
- #1 in CIAA offensive rebounds (17.1/gm)
- +5.3 rebounding margin
NCAA Atlantic Region Rankings (Through Feb. 22, 2026)
- Indiana (PA) – 22–1 (22–1 in-region)
- Gannon – 24–3 (20–2)
- Winston-Salem State – 22–2 (22–2)
- Seton Hill – 17–7 (17–7)
- Fayetteville State – 19–4 (19–4)
- Glenville State – 20–5 (20–5)
- Fairmont State – 19–7 (19–7)
- Edinboro – 15–11 (15–8)
- Concord – 17–9 (17–9)
- Charleston (WV) – 17–9 (17–9)
Impact:
- Both finalists sit inside the Top 5 regionally.
- Champion earns the CIAA's automatic NCAA berth; runner‑up remains strong for an at‑large.
Keys to the Game
1. Turnover Control (FSU)
Limit giveaways vs. WSSU's pressure to keep pace where FSU thrives.
2. Rebounding Swing (Both)
WSSU's +15 edge in February was decisive; FSU is #1 in CIAA defensive boards.
3. Paint Production (FSU)
Nearly 40 paint points powered the January win—touches inside are vital.
4. Tempo & Shot Quality
FSU prefers halfcourt efficiency; WSSU thrives in scramble and transition.
Players to Watch – WSSU Lady Rams
• Maia Charles – F (So.)
13.15 PPG • 9.30 RPG • 48.3% FG • 2.12 BPG
Dominant interior presence and one of the CIAA's elite rebounders.
• Makayla Waleed – G (Sr.)
10.54 PPG • 315 FGA
Primary scorer capable of heating up early.
• Nevaeh Farmer – G (Jr.)
9.96 PPG • 79 AST • 2.92 SPG
Two-way guard who drives WSSU's transition and pressure game.
• Jakaiya Mack – G (Sr.)
6.79 PPG • 75 STL
Defensive disruptor and emotional engine of the Rams.
• Breonna Roaf – G (Fr.)
5.86 PPG • 110 REB • 65 STL
Impact freshman who rebounds like a forward.
Players to Watch – Fayetteville State Broncos
10.44 PPG • 123 AST • 2.24 SPG
CIAA's assist leader and the floor general of FSU's offense.
5.79 PPG • 3.96 RPG • 53.3% FG
Shot-blocker and physical anchor inside.
6.17 PPG • 4.48 RPG • 32.6% 3PT
Versatile stretch forward with defensive toughness.
6.17 PPG • 48.8% FG
High-efficiency scorer around the basket.
6.20 PPG • 6.12 RPG
Top wing rebounder and defensive matchup piece.
Fast Facts
- Series since 1979: FSU 39–25
- Last 10: FSU 7–3
- 2026 season series: Split
- FSU defense: No. 1 in DII by opponent FG%
- WSSU profile: Top‑tier turnover creation and second‑chance scoring
- Winner: CIAA Champion + NCAA AQ
