Dec. 13, 2011

Final Stats

PHILIPPI, W.V. - Patience is not only a virtue. It can win you basketball games.

The Fayetteville State Lady Broncos found that out on Tuesday night.

The Lady Broncos survived a torrent of 3-pointers by the Alderson-Broaddus Battlers by sticking with their halfcourt offensive set, keeping enough of a distance to put away the Battlers 68-59 on the road.

Akysia Resper (So., Concord, N.C.) led Fayetteville State (5-2) with 16 points while Tashama Banner (Sr., Fayetteville, N.C.) added 15 points, six assists and six rebounds to pace the Lady Broncos in their second contest of a three-game road trip. CIAA Rookie of the Week Bria Robinson (Fr., Belmont, N.C.) added seven points and seven rebounds while SheQuitia Manning (Sr., Capital Heights, Md.) chipped in nine points and seven boards.

Fayetteville State trailed for much of the first half until the Lady Broncos closed the period on an 11-2 run to take a 30-25 lead into the break.

Then the Battlers got hot, particularly from outside.

Alderson-Broaddus (3-4) made 10 3s in the game, connecting on seven of them in the second half. After Fayetteville State opened an eight-point margin with a 3 on its first possession of the second half, the Battlers connected on four 3-pointers in their next six offensive possessions to grab a 40-38 lead less than 4 minutes into the half.

But the Lady Broncos never panicked, effectively working the ball inside and around the perimeter for good looks at the basket. Fayetteville State answered with an 11-3 run to regain control, then later scored five straight points in another quick stretch to take a 54-46 edge with 10:27 remaining.

Amanda Peoples led all players with 23 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 5 of 7 3-point shots. Natalie Smith added 15 points while Cayla Rhodes had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Fayetteville State completes their road trip with a game at Salem International at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Lady Broncos return home on Dec. 19 to face Mt. Olive.