Arkansas State Women's Basketball Advances to WNIT Fab 4

Red Wolves defeat Cleveland State 71-53 to reach tournament semifinals

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:53am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold primary colors depicting the dynamic action of a women's basketball game, conveying the intensity and energy of the Arkansas State Red Wolves' WNIT playoff run.The Arkansas State Red Wolves' WNIT run continues with a cubist-inspired illustration capturing the team's hard-fought victory over Cleveland State.Jonesboro Today

The Arkansas State University women's basketball team defeated Cleveland State University 71-53 in the Great 8 round of the 2026 Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). The Red Wolves led 30-23 at halftime and pulled away in the second half, led by a career-high 20 points from guard Wynter Rogers. ASU will now face fellow Sun Belt Conference foe Marshall in the WNIT Fab 4 on Wednesday.

Why it matters

Arkansas State's deep WNIT run showcases the strength of the program and the Sun Belt Conference, which has produced multiple postseason tournament teams this year. The Red Wolves are looking to capture the school's first WNIT championship and continue building momentum for the upcoming season.

The details

After leading 30-23 at halftime, Arkansas State withstood a third-quarter push from Cleveland State to pull away late. The Red Wolves went on a 15-0 run towards the end of the third quarter to extend their advantage. Wynter Rogers paced ASU with a career-high 20 points in the victory.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Arkansas State will face Marshall in the WNIT Fab 4 on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Wynter Rogers

A guard for the Arkansas State Red Wolves who scored a career-high 20 points in the win over Cleveland State.

Arkansas State University

The women's basketball team from Arkansas State University, which is competing in the 2026 Women's National Invitation Tournament.

Cleveland State University

The women's basketball team from Cleveland State University, which lost to Arkansas State in the WNIT Great 8 round.

Marshall

A fellow Sun Belt Conference team that will face Arkansas State in the WNIT Fab 4 on April 2.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to keep our season going and have the chance to compete for a WNIT championship. The team has worked hard all year and deserves this opportunity.”

— Matt Daniel, Arkansas State Women's Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

Arkansas State will face Marshall in the WNIT Fab 4 on Wednesday, April 2, 2026. The winner will advance to the WNIT championship game.

The takeaway

Arkansas State's deep WNIT run demonstrates the strength of the Sun Belt Conference and the continued growth of the Red Wolves' women's basketball program. A potential matchup with conference rival Marshall in the semifinals adds an extra layer of intrigue to the team's quest for the school's first WNIT title.