INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- West Virginia State's Women's Basketball team halted a five-game skid with an 83-61 victory over non-conference opponent Salem on Wednesday night in the Walker Convocation Center. The Yellow Jackets held a plus-24 turnover margin against the Tigers and converted 34 turnovers into 34 points while only allowing seven points on 10 turnovers, by far the team's lowest turnover total of the season.

WVSU improves to 6-5 on the season and is 2-4 in the Mountain East Conference. Division II Independent Salem falls to 1-14.

The State offense was led by ZZ Russell's 15 points who drained a season-high 3-of-9 from beyond the arc. Emily Anthony followed close behind with 13 points, three assists, and two steals. Latisha Parris contributed 11 points while Emyah Fortenberry squeaked out her sixth double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 boards. She was once again a presence on the offensive glass with 8 of her 11 rebounds coming on the offensive side.

WVSU opened with a 9-0 run, sparked by Anthony's five points and solid defensive play that forced multiple turnovers. Salem managed a brief scoring spurt but was held to just five points in the quarter. The Yellow Jackets converted six points off turnovers and closed the period ahead, 13-5.

Salem responded early in the second quarter with an 8-0 run, cutting into WVSU's lead. However, the Yellow Jackets countered with a 7-0 run of their own, led by Anthony's scoring and Fortenberry's dominance on the glass. WVSU forced turnovers throughout the quarter, leading to 12 points off turnovers in the half. Despite a late push by Salem, WVSU held a 34-27 advantage at halftime.

WVSU broke the game open in the third quarter with a 10-0 run, highlighted by Russell's two three-pointers and Fortenberry's inside scoring. Salem managed a smaller 6-0 run midway through the quarter but couldn't sustain momentum. The Yellow Jackets capitalized on turnovers, converting eight points off Salem's miscues to finish the quarter with a commanding 61-40 lead.

Salem opened the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run, cutting into WVSU's lead briefly. The Yellow Jackets quickly regained control with a 6-0 run of their own, capped by a three-pointer from Russell. WVSU maintained its defensive pressure, forcing six turnovers in the final period, and closed out an 83-61 victory.

WVSU wil next head north to Pittsburgh, Pa. to take on Mountain East newcomer Point Park for a Saturday afternoon tilt at 2:00 PM.