Feb. 22, 2008
Box Score
Fayetteville, NC - The Broncos' senior night celebration was spoiled by a 93-84 loss to the Blue Bears of Livingstone College on Thursday evening from the Felton J. Capel Arena.
Prior to the start of the contest, Fayetteville State University recognized seniors Jamel Austin and Phillippe Harris. Both were presented with framed, personalized posters of themselves in appreciation of their contributions to FSU Basketball. Harris was also given a sealed game ball to commemorate scoring his 1000th career point, which he accomplished on the road against Johnson C. Smith University (February 19th).
With all the high praise in the arena for the Broncos, spectators almost forgot there was a game to be played. The seniors rose to the occasion of the evening. Austin led all FSU scorers at the half with 13 points, along with five assists. Harris put up 11 points in the opening period and junior guard Andy Gebru scored 10 points. Gebru's first half total accumulated for 999 career points.
Fayetteville State shot 50 percent (17-of-34) from the field and 87.5 percent (7-of-8) from the free throw line. FSU was outscored by the Blue Bears 24-to-12 in the post. Despite being dominated in the paint, the Broncos' seven first half three-pointers had them in front at the half, 48-47.
Livingstone regrouped and came out in the second half on an 8-0 run. Gebru reached his 1000th career point plateau in the second period and recaptured the lead for the Broncos at the 14:58 mark with a three-pointer.
The Blue Bears sparked another scoring run to create some distance from Fayetteville State. Livingstone held FSU scoreless for two minutes, while putting nine points on the scoreboard. Santonio Springs drained two threes during the Blue Bears' scoring run. Fayetteville State would battle back and narrow the lead, but never regain an advantage.
Even in defeat, Gebru finished with a game-high 29 points on his milestone night. Austin concluded the contest and his final performance in Capel Arena with 20 points and eight assists. Harris ended the game with 14 points, three assists, and two steals.
Livingstone had four players with double digit point totals, including top scorer Santonio Springs with 23 points. The Blue Bears improve to 14-13 overall and 8-10 in the CIAA, splitting their season series against the Broncos.
FSU drops to 12-14 for the season and 8-10 in conference play. Fayetteville State heads toward Charlotte, NC for the 62nd Annual CIAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Tournament play begins Wednesday, February 27th from the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
