Feb. 28, 2008
Box Score
Charlotte, NC - The Broncos (13-14) advance to the semi-finals of the 63rd Annual CIAA Men's Basketball Tournament by upsetting the defending champion Elizabeth City State University Vikings (20-7), 67-62 on Thursday, February 28th in the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
The Vikings won both regular season match-ups, led by the 2008 CIAA Player of the Year, Anthony Hilliard. Hilliard combined for 49 points and 31 rebounds against FSU during the season. The junior guard dropped 16 points and pulled down 12 boards in the quarterfinal contest, but could not elevate his team to the next round.
In the first half, the Broncos' senior guard duo of Jamel Austin and Phillippe Harris dominated on the court to secure the lead for FSU. Austin broke a 10-point tie at the 12:41 mark with a three-pointer. On the next offensive series, junior guard Andy Gebru put Fayetteville State up by five with a jumper in the paint.
Vikings' guard Matt Nowlin whittled the FSU lead to one with a three-pointer with 5:23 remaining in the half. The Broncos kept their poise to stretch out the lead and go into halftime up, 28-23.
Harris finished the half as the Broncos' leading scorer and only player with a double digit halftime total of 11 points. The Broncos shot 35.1 percent from the field and had zero free throw attempts in the opening period.
Fayetteville State caught fire from the perimeter early in the second half. All-CIAA backcourt selections Gebru and Harris accounted for four consecutive three-pointers. However, ECSU found their offensive rhythm and tied the score at 45 with 9:25 left to play. A lay-up by forward Demond Hickman gave the Vikings' their first lead of the game and sparked a 6-0 run.
The score was tied again at 51 off two free throws by Harris with 3:07 remaining. Austin put the Broncos back in front with a three-pointer at the 1:57 mark and FSU would not relinquish their advantage from that point.
Head Coach Sam Hanger expressed from pleased he was with his team's performance. "They played their hearts out," said Coach Hanger. "If we continue to play with passion and poise, we can go up against anybody."
Harris finished the game with 31 points, six rebounds, and two steals; he was selected as the Food Lion Game 3 Most Valuable Player. Austin concluded the contest with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Gebru rounded off the top FSU scorers with a contribution of 10 points, seven boards, and four steals.
Fayetteville State moves on to the semi-finals to face the winner of Shaw/Bowie State University on Friday, February 29th. The game is scheduled for 7 pm from the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
