By Mekhi Abbott
Special to the AFRO
mabbott@afro.com
Baltimore hosted the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship tournament for the fifth consecutive year at CFG Bank Arena. The weeklong tournament, from Feb. 24-28, saw the Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team and the Fayetteville State University men’s basketball team leave Charm City as victors.
The men’s championship served as a nail-biter as Fayetteville State University held off the Bluefield State University Blue Blue, 71-68. Terrell Williams led the way for Fayetteville with 29 points and four rebounds. He shot an efficient 80 percent from the three-point line on five attempts.
The Winston-Salem State women dominated their opponent Fayetteville State, 60-43. Nevaeh Farmer led the charge for the Winston-Salem State Rams with 24 points. Farmer also left Baltimore with the award of 2026 CIAA Women’s Most Valuable Player. Farmer was joined by teammates Makayla Waleed and Jakaiya Mack on the 2026 women’s All-Tournament team. The Rams are the 19th ranked team in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association among Division II schools.
“This week in Baltimore captured the very best of the CIAA,” said CIAA commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker via a press release. “This tournament showcases excellence on the court, opportunity off the court, and a community coming together with purpose. Over 3,500 Baltimore high school students attended Education Day, and many received scholarships and on-the-spot admissions to CIAA HBCUs. More than 1,500 job seekers connected with over 60 employers on Career Day.”
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott applauded the tournament for its economic impact while also showcasing community and directly benefiting Black and minority-owned businesses.
“Baltimore is proud to host an event that celebrates Black excellence, invests in our young people, and showcases the very best of our city,” said Mayor Scott in a press statement provided by the CIAA.
The tournament included entertainment acts outside of basketball, including performances by Tauheed K. “2 Chainz” Epps and Kristopher “K Camp” Campbell.
With their wins, #19 Winston-Salem and Fayetteville State have punched their tickets to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II postseason. Several other teams from the CIAA tournament are awaiting their fate regarding the postseason. Selection Sunday is on March 8, when the NCAA will release the official tournament field for the 2026 postseason.
The CIAA will continue to hold the women’s and men’s basketball tournaments in Baltimore until 2029, as the conference signed a contract extension last year. The tournament will continue to be held in CFG Bank Arena.