SALEM, W.Va. — West Virginia State women's basketball (4-6, 1-3 MEC) leaned on its defense and interior scoring to secure a 51–47 non-conference win over Salem University (1-10, D-II Independent) on Wednesday night inside T. Edward Davis Gymnasium.

The Yellow Jackets trailed 20–17 at halftime before turning the game in their favor after the break, outscoring Salem 18–8 in the third quarter to take control. Salem made a late push in the fourth, trimming the margin to three in the final minute, but WVSU closed the door at the free-throw line.

Imani Hickman led West Virginia State with 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while Baylee Goins added 10 points and three steals. Latisha Parris chipped in nine points, eight rebounds and three blocks, and Tiir Nyok contributed nine points, seven rebounds and a team-high six steals as WVSU's pressure defense dictated the pace.

West Virginia State shot 19-of-57 from the field and finished with a 40–40 rebounding tie, but forced 28 Salem turnovers and converted 18 points off those miscues. The Yellow Jackets also held a 30–22 edge in points in the paint and received 17 points from the bench.

Salem was paced by Selena Frost, who scored 14 points, while Meilin Guo added nine as the Tigers shot 18-of-53 from the floor.

Up Next: West Virginia State returns home for a weekend match up against the Point Park Pioneers. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10 at 2:00 p.m.