Salem, W.Va. — Salem University women's basketball battled down to the final seconds Wednesday evening but came up just short in a tightly contested 51–47 loss to West Virginia State University at the T. Edward Davis Gymnasium.

The Tigers and Yellow Jackets traded momentum throughout the game, with the score tied eight times and the lead changing hands seven times. Salem closed the gap late in the fourth quarter and pulled within two points multiple times before West Virginia State sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final 20 seconds.

Selena Frost led Salem offensively with 14 points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers while also contributing four rebounds and two assists. Nakayla Green added nine points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Meilin Guo chipped in nine points and eight rebounds, anchoring the Tigers on both ends of the floor. Fatima Bakayoko provided a spark off the bench with five points, including a key fourth-quarter three-pointer that briefly gave Salem the lead.

The game was evenly matched early, as both teams were tied at 11–11 after the opening quarter. Salem carried a 20–17 advantage into halftime behind balanced scoring and defensive pressure. West Virginia State used an 18-point third quarter to regain control, but Salem responded with its best offensive stretch in the fourth, outscoring the Yellow Jackets 19–16 over the final 10 minutes.

Salem finished the contest shooting 34.0 percent from the field and 70.0 percent from the free-throw line, while forcing 23 turnovers and matching West Virginia State with 40 rebounds.

The Tigers will look to build on their defensive effort and late-game execution as they continue their home stand.