Jan. 4, 2014
FAYETTEVILLE, NC - For the second consecutive game, the Fayetteville State men's basketball team jumped out to a big early lead on a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association opponent.
This time around, the Broncos refused to let things get competitive. FSU dominated Virginia State, 74-48, at Felton J. Capel Arena on Saturday, giving the Broncos a sixth straight win and a 2-0 start in conference play.
Tyrrel Tatepaced all scorers with 16 points. He was the only Bronco in double-figures, though six other scorers finished with at least six points.
"Offensively, things come and go," FSU coach Alphonza Keesaid. "I think all teams come back from break a little slower, but we try to focus defensively and we are definitely consistent in our effort in defending in fullcourt and halfcourt and that carried us to a victory."
That defensive effort showed in the stat sheet, where the Trojans (7-5 overall, 0-2 CIAA) shot a paltry 24.1 percent (13-of-54) from the field. Meanwhile, FSU (9-3, 2-0) shot 41.7 percent, easily enough to win comfortably.
In a win against Chowan on Thursday, FSU led by as many as 15, fell behind and rallied for a victory. This time around, there would be no rallies.
The Trojans never led or tied, as FSU scored the first five points and never surrendered their edge. FSU hit its first double-digit margin just 4:36 into play, when a Tyrrel Tatelayup made it 14-4. FSU led by as many as 18 in the first half, the same number as the 44-26 halftime margin.
In the second half, it was much of the same, with FSU leading by as many as 33 at one point.
The Broncos were dominant in pretty much all facets of the game. They outscored the Trojans, who eliminated FSU in last year's CIAA Tournament, 38-16 in the paint, 28-9 off of turnovers, 17-10 in second-chance points, 18-4 in transition and 27-13 off the bench.
FSU outrebounded Virginia State, 45-36, and forced 22 turnovers while only making 13 miscues.
The Broncos finish their 3-game homestand at 7:30 p.m. on Monday against Elizabeth City State.
