GAME PREVIEW - Fayetteville State at Winston‑Salem State

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: C.E. Gaines Center, Winston-Salem, NC
Broadcast: WSSU Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

The CIAA women's basketball race heats up this Saturday as Fayetteville State (15–2, 9–1 CIAA) travels to rival Winston‑Salem State (18–2, 9–1 CIAA) in a pivotal showdown with first‑place implications. Both programs enter the matchup riding dominant stretches of defensive pressure, balanced scoring, and high‑impact guard play. With two of the league's best teams meeting in a high‑energy environment at the Gaines Center, this matchup is poised to be one of the most competitive games of the season. FAYETTEVILLE STATE BRONCOS (15–2, 9–1 CIAA)
The Broncos continue to be one of the CIAA's most complete teams, blending efficient guard play with physical interior defense. FSU's calling card remains balance—eight players averaging between 4–11 points—and a defense allowing just 55.3 points per game. Their ability to win the possession battle, share the ball, and defend the three‑point line has powered a dominant first half of the season.

Top Players – Fayetteville State

• KaNyah O'Neal – 10.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.4 SPG - FSU's dynamic two‑way guard, O'Neal leads the Broncos in scoring and steals while providing constant energy on both ends.
• Talia Trotter – 10.0 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.6 RPG - The engine of the offense, Trotter's playmaking and poise control the game's tempo and consistently elevate the Broncos' efficiency.
• Kelis Carmon – 7.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG - A physical interior presence, Carmon protects the rim and gives FSU reliable scoring and rebounding inside.
• Taleah Stephens – 7.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 52.9% FG - One of the league's most efficient scorers, Stephens provides key bench production with strong finishing ability.

WINSTON‑SALEM STATE RAMS (18–2, 9–1 CIAA)
Winston-Salem State enters as one of the hottest teams in the conference, fueled by a disruptive defense and a deep rotation that thrives in transition. The Rams lead the CIAA in steals and scoring margin, and their pressure defense routinely forces opponents into uncomfortable offensive sets. WSSU's ability to speed teams up and capitalize on turnovers has made them one of the most dangerous groups in the league.
Top Players

• Maia Charles – 14.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.3 BPG - A dominant post player, Charles anchors the Rams on both ends with elite rim protection and interior scoring.
• Makayla Waleed – 11.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.0 SPG - WSSU's top perimeter disruptor, Waleed sparks the Rams' pressure defense and scores in transition.
• Ah'Kiyah Pye – 11.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG (5 GP sample) - A skilled scoring guard with range, Pye adds instant offense whenever she's on the floor.
• Nevaeh Farmer – 8.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.1 APG - Farmer is the Rams' versatile connector, impacting the game as a scorer, passer, and defender.

What to Expect – Game Breakdown

• High-pressure defense on both sides - Both teams average double‑digit steals and thrive on turning defense into offense.
• Battle on the glass - Charles vs. Carmon/Wilkins inside will be a major storyline.
• Guard play dictating the game - Trotter and O'Neal must handle WSSU's aggressive pressure.
• Tempo swing will matter - FSU prefers controlled offense; WSSU thrives in chaos and transition.
• Scoring runs likely to decide momentum - Both teams have multiple players capable of explosive stretches.

Key Takeaways

• Whichever team wins the turnover battle likely wins the game.
• FSU's balanced attack vs. WSSU's pressure defense will be a marquee matchup.
• Rebounding and second‑chance points could tip the scales in a close contest.
• Expect a playoff‑like environment with two conference leaders meeting head‑to‑head.

Conclusion
Saturday's matchup between Fayetteville State and Winston‑Salem State has all the ingredients of a CIAA classic—two title contenders, elite defenses, star power on both sides, and major standings implications. With both teams sitting at 9–1 in league play, this showdown could shape the path to the CIAA Tournament's top seed. Whether the game is decided by execution, tempo, or defensive toughness, fans should expect a physical, high‑energy battle from start to finish.