Charlotte, N.C. – Fayetteville State suffered a 65-63 loss to Johnson C. Smith in Brayboy Gymnasium after the Golden Bulls sunk 6-of-6 free throws in the final 30 seconds of the win. For the game, the Broncos (8-7 overall; 3-4 CIAA) made three of seven free throws in the CIAA Southern Division opener.
 
Johnson C. Smith (8-9; 5-2) shot 77.3% from the charity stripe (making 17 of 22 attempts) and took advantage of 18 Bronco turnovers for 24 points. JCSU also beat FSU in rebounds with a 13-board difference (36-23). The Golden Bulls produced ten second-chance points while Fayetteville State scored two points from three offensive grabs. JCSU shot 13 free throws in the fourth quarter.
 
Shantel Bennett scored a game-high 17 points with Katisha Hyman right behind her with 14. Yakima Clifton netted 12 points for the Broncos.
 
Fayetteville State shot a season-high 56.9% in field goals to the Golden Bulls 39.6%.
 
JCSU led 18-14 after the first quarter and the Broncos turned the table in the second to tie the game at 32 at halftime. The Golden Bulls went ahead by two (15-13) after the third period and both teams scored 18 in the final.
 
Blaire Thomas led the way for Johnson C. Smith with 14 points. Malia Rivers had 10 for the game. DeNajha Porter had a game-high 11 boards.
 
Fayetteville State will host Claflin University on MLK Day (Monday, January 21^st) in Capel Arena. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.