Little Rock, Arkansas – The postseason run continues for the Arkansas State Red Wolves women’s basketball after an impressive victory Friday night in Little Rock. Arkansas State defeated the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons women’s basketball 83–72 to secure a place in the Great 8 round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
It was a steady and confident performance from the Red Wolves, who controlled the pace for much of the contest and delivered when it mattered most. Leading the charge was Aniyah Ruddock, who poured in 21 points and gave Arkansas State the offensive spark it needed to maintain momentum throughout the game.
Zyion Shannon added another strong showing with 18 points, helping keep the Mastodons from mounting any serious comeback attempt. Meanwhile, Wynter Rogers made her impact in several areas of the game. Rogers finished with five rebounds, four assists and three steals, contributing on both ends of the floor and helping the Red Wolves maintain control during key stretches.
The victory marks another milestone in Arkansas State’s postseason journey. Earlier in the week, the Red Wolves had already delivered a dominant performance in the tournament’s Super 16 round. On Monday, Arkansas State cruised past Radford Highlanders women’s basketball with an emphatic 83–52 win, a result that showcased the team’s balanced offense and defensive pressure.
Arkansas State entered the tournament with a first-round bye, giving the team extra time to prepare before launching its postseason push. Since then, the Red Wolves have taken full advantage of the opportunity, stringing together convincing performances to keep their season alive.
Now, the challenge grows even tougher. Arkansas State will next face the Cleveland State Vikings women’s basketball with a spot in the Fab 4 on the line. The matchup promises to be another demanding test as the Red Wolves look to extend their run in the WNIT.
A victory in the next round would mark a historic step for the program. Arkansas State has previously reached the Great 8 only twice before, in 1999 and 2005. With confidence building and the offense clicking at the right time, the Red Wolves now have a chance to push beyond those past achievements.
For Arkansas State, the path forward is clear: one more win, and the program moves one step closer to a memorable postseason finish.
