SALEM, W.Va. — West Virginia State University continued its winning streak, defeating Salem University 87-45 on Saturday at T. Edward Davis Gymnasium. The Yellow Jackets controlled the game from start to finish, leading wire-to-wire for their fifth consecutive victory.

Zakorrah Russell led WVSU with 12 points, while Kenly Rogers chipped in 17 points, including five three-pointers. Hallie Bailey added 10 points, and Latifat Olatunji contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. Emily Anthony finished with seven assists and 10 points. The Yellow Jackets forced 33 turnovers and scored 38 points off those turnovers. They also dominated the paint, outscoring Salem 42-34 and grabbing 54 rebounds to Salem's 31. WVSU's bench was crucial, contributing 45 points compared to Salem's four.

Carmen Vasquez led Salem with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Liliani Krause added 14 points.

With the win, WVSU improved to 13-11 on the season. Salem dropped to 1-25.

WVSU opened the first period strong, taking a 24-10 lead. Zakorrah Russell and Shanley Woods paced the offense early with a pair of three-pointers, while the Yellow Jackets capitalized on Salem's turnovers for quick fast-break points. WVSU's defense limited Salem to 31.3% shooting in the first period, while Hallie Bailey's strong inside presence added four points late in the quarter to maintain the double-digit advantage.

In the second period, WVSU continued to push the tempo, extending the lead to 41-26 at halftime. The Yellow Jackets scored 17 points in the quarter, with Kenly Rogers knocking down a three-pointer in transition and Emily Anthony adding steady playmaking with four assists. Despite a brief 7-4 run by Salem, WVSU responded with a balanced attack, including contributions from Ahjanae Young and Emyah Fortenberry off the bench.

WVSU put the game out of reach in the third period, outscoring Salem 21-6. The Yellow Jackets' relentless full-court pressure forced multiple turnovers, leading to easy baskets. Russell and Rogers combined for 13 points in the period, and the defense held Salem to just 25% shooting. WVSU's depth proved key as several bench players contributed on both ends of the floor.

The Yellow Jackets closed the game with a dominant fourth quarter, adding 25 points to seal the win. Hallie Bailey scored eight of her 10 points in the final period, while Anthony and Fortenberry added key baskets to maintain the lead. WVSU's defense remained stout, allowing just 13 points from Salem in the final frame.

West Virginia State will return to the Walker Convocation Center for the penultimate home game of the regular season against the Davis & Elkins College Senators. Tip is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.