Feb. 10, 2007

Box Score

Intense is a good word to describe the match-up and the atmosphere as Fayetteville State University took on St. Augustine's College, Saturday, February 10, 2007. The Capel Arena was almost filled to capacity and for good reason; this was the Broncos first home game in their last six contests, and the game would be broadcasted on the ESPN television network. The Broncos did not disappoint the home crowd, coming out victorious 61-60.

In the first half, the Broncos came out sharp, shooting 45.2 (14-31) percent from the field, including four three-pointers and a 9-0 run that came to an end at the 3:05 mark. St. Augustine's Nicholas King kept the Falcons around scoring 12 first half points. King's contribution drew the score closer as Fayetteville State had pulled ahead by 12 at one point in the first half. The Broncos had the lead going into halftime 35-27, but in the second half, both teams showed more intensity.

St. Augustine opened the second half in rhythm on offensive and hustling on both sides of the ball. The Falcons were on a 13-2 run, until Jesse Fells hit a huge three-pointer to give the Broncos some breathing room. There was 8:45 remaining on the clock, 49-45 FSU lead, but the Broncos were struggling from the field. FSU shot 28 (7-25) percent in the second half, which allowed the Falcons to eventually take the lead. St. Augustine's Antonio Fitzgerald hit two free throws to give the Falcons the lead 60-59 with 25.5 seconds remaining in the game. DeMarcus Bowden brought the ball down court and found forward Zeke Mayes in the paint for an open lay-up. The Broncos were now up one 61-60, with 12.4 seconds left. Fitzgerald came down court, missed a lay-up, teammate Nicholas King also missed a put back tip, as time expired and the Broncos got the win.

Seniors Jesse Fells and Zeke Mayes led all Fayetteville State scorers with 19 points; Mayes also pulled down 8 rebounds. Nicholas King led the way in scoring for the Falcons with a game-high 22 points to go along with seven rebounds. Claude Neeley finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for St. Augustine.

With the win, Fayetteville State's record improves to 14-9 overall, 10-6 in the CIAA, and they're still undefeated in the CIAA Western Division at 5-0. St. Augustine falls to 15-6 overall and 11-4 in CIAA contests.

The Broncos hit the road again to take on Virginia State University on February 15, 2007 in Petersburg, VA. Tip-off will be at 7:30 p.m.