Fayetteville, NC – The Fayetteville State men's basketball program had a few add-ons over the holiday break that led to an 80-63 upset victory over Division I UNC Asheville 80-63.
 
In an early game today in Capel Arena, the Broncos had its eyes set on extending its win streak to two.
 
Unfortunately, the rematch against Elizabeth City State would have a similar outcome to the December 17^th conference game, with the Vikings (8-7 overall) pulling off an 82-78 victory over the Broncos.
 
In the final moments of game, Fayetteville State (1-9 overall) overcame a four-point deficit to lead by one (76-75) with a three-pointer by Joshua Bryant with 1:02 remaining in the game. After a pair of free throws by Elizabeth City, Bryant scored his game-high 23^rd point with a layup to put FSU back up with 32 seconds left.  The Vikings' John Maynor hit a dagger of a three-pointer with 12 seconds left to give ESCU a two-point cushion.
 
A Bronco turnover and quick foul would allow Elizabeth City State to sink another pair of free throws to secure the 82-78 decision.
 
Three Broncos almost scored 20 points each for the game. Joshua Bryant (Fayetteville, NC), who played in his second game of the season today, had game highs in points (23) and rebounds (9). Fellow add-on JaQuel Richmond (Greensboro, NC) followed closely with 20. Mark Burton (Tokyo, Japan) was one point shy of 20 with 19 points.
 
Fayetteville State had a favorable first half with a 37-35 halftime lead. The Broncos jumped to a quick 6-0 lead which forced the Vikings into an early timeout and held the lead through the first five minutes of the game.
 
A 13-0 run by Elizabeth City State would give the Vikings a 28-14 lead with 9:17 left in the half until JaQual Richmond's two layups would end the drought. Down by 11, Richmond would net a three-ball with Denzel Hosch (Shelby, NC) matching the shot to bring FSU within five (29-24) with 5:46 left. On the line with 3:57 on the clock, Hosch would swish a pair to cut the lead to three (29-26). ECSU would continue to hold a slight lead until Mark Burton's three would have FSU down by one (35-34) with a little under a minute to play. Back beyond the arc, Burton would nail another three-ball for the halftime lead.
 
Fayetteville State would hold a six-point lead in the early portion of the second half until the Vikings mounted a comeback to tie the game at 60 with 8:25 left in regulation. The Broncos countered to create a seven-point lead (69-62) with 6:27 remaining but another Viking-run would even the score at 69 and extend the game with a four-point, 75-71 lead (2:58 remaining).
 
A steal by Hosch and a fast break layup by Richmond would cut the Viking lead to two (75-73) with 1:59 left.
 
John Maynor (Raeford, NC) had big-time shot for Elizabeth City State down with stretch with three back-to-back threes and a 12-point performance. Tyjhai Byers led the Vikings with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Shyheid Petteway had 16 points while Aujameq Daniels finished with 13.
 
Fayetteville State will return to Capel Arena on Thursday, January 10^th to face conference opponent Lincoln (Pa.) for another FREE game on the Broncos Community Month calendar. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.