Feb. 21, 2007

Box Score

The last home game of the 2006-2007 season for the Fayetteville State Broncos concluded with a loss to the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls, 75-72. The game was filled with spectators that showed up to watch the seniors play their last game inside the Capel Arena. Unfortunately the Broncos were on the losing end, but this contest had an exciting finish.

Early in the first half, the Broncos built up a seven point lead with 12:15 remaining. Johnson C. Smith eventually found their offensive rhythm, closing the half shooting 53 percent from the field compared to FSU's 37 percent and leading 36-29 going into halftime.

By the 10:18 mark of the second half, JCSU had their largest lead of the game (15). The Broncos began scoring spurts that helped them close in on the Golden Bulls. Phillippe Harris and Jesse Fells accounted for nine quick Bronco points, after making three 3-point field goals on consecutive possessions. With 2:30 remaining, Andy Gebru was fouled while shooting a 3-pointer. Gebru would make two of the three free throws, cutting JCSU's lead to 69-62. After a defensive stance by the Broncos, Phillippe Harris would be fouled on the other end. Harris made the first free throw, but missed the second, which would be followed by a tip-in lay-up by senior, forward Zeke Mayes.

After a lay-up by Mayes, Johnson C. Smith was leading 72-69, with 56 seconds remaining in the contest. JCSU's Ryan Scott was sent to the free throw line where he would only hit one of the two charity shots. Jamel Austin came down court and found an open Phillippe Harris for three, cutting Johnson C. Smith's advantage to one, 73-72. JCSU's Maurice Hooper was fouled and made both free throws, giving the Golden Bulls a 75-72 lead. Harris would turnover the ball on the next possession; however that mistake was erased by a JCSU foul committed by Ryan Scott. Andy Gebru and Mike Moses each had a chance to tie the score, but each would miss the three-point attempt, concluding the game.

JCSU had four players finish with double figures in points. CIAA Rookie of the Year, Jerry Hollis had a team-high 16 points, along with eight rebounds and four blocks. Andy Gebru led all Bronco scorers with 16 points, to go with five rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Zeke Mayes was a rebound shy of a double-double, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.

Johnson C. Smith improves to 15-8 overall and 13-6 in the CIAA. The Broncos drop in the standings to 14-11 overall, 11-8 in the CIAA, and 5-1 in the CIAA Western Division (first divisional loss of the season).

Fayetteville State takes on the St. Augustine Falcons Thursday, February 22nd in Raleigh, NC. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.