Feb. 23, 2007
Box Score
As the season comes to a close, the Broncos are trying to win their remaining games to secure a first-round bye and build momentum heading towards the 2007 CIAA Tournament. Unfortunately, Fayetteville State came up short against Saint Augustine's College Thursday night, 81-66, inside the Emery Gymnasium.
It was the last home game for the Falcons, and they were recognizing their seniors. The gymnasium was packed as the crowd watched St. Augustine get off to a great start, opening the game with an 8-2 run. Senior Claude Neely scored six of the Falcons' initial eight points, including an alley-oop slam that brought the crowd to their feet. The Broncos eventually found their rhythm offensively after Jamel Austin hit two three-pointers on consecutive possessions, tying the game at 12 with 12:48 remaining in the first half. The Falcons surged again, going on an 8-0 run before Andy Gebru broke the Broncos scoring spell with a three-pointer. Fayetteville State went on a 14-2 run of their own, taking the lead 25-22 with 2:08 remaining. Senior guard and All-CIAA selection Antonio Fitzgerald scored St. Augustine's last four shots before ending the half, sending the Falcons into halftime up 31-27.
In the second half, the Falcons took complete control. St. Augustine outscored Fayetteville State 44-26 inside the paint. Fitzgerald scored 21 of his 34 points in the second half. Junior Jeff Sullivan had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Falcons. St. Augustine shot 51.5 percent (17-33) from the field in the second half and 88.2 percent (15-17) from the free throw line.
Fayetteville State had three players finish in double figures, led by Jamel Austin. Austin finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Andy Gebru chipped in 12 points and Zeke Mayes had 10 points and two rebounds.
With the loss, the Broncos fall to 14-12 overall and 10-9 in the CIAA. St. Augustine improves to 18-8 overall and 14-6 in the CIAA. Fayetteville State plays their last game of the season against Livingstone College, Saturday, February 24th in Salisbury, NC. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
