Richmond, VA – Once again the Fayetteville State women's basketball team (3-6 overall; 2-1 CIAA) had a chance to upend the defending CIAA Champions Virginia Union (6-1, 2-0) for the second time this season after losing 63-60 in Richmond, Virginia.
Despite trailing most of the game, the Broncos held a 47-46 lead with 5:19 left in the game after a pair of free throws by Shantell Bennett (Sanford, NC). After giving up a couple baskets and turning the ball over,
Katisha Hyman (Chocowinity, NC) nailed a three-ball to keep FSU within one (51-50) with 3:25 left.
Virginia Union would ease ahead by seven (57-50) before three consecutive free throws by Hyman cut the deficit.
Shantel Williams (Charlotte, NC) cut a five-point down to two, while being fouled on a three-pointer with 14 seconds left in the game. The "and-one" free throw set the game at 60-61.
After an immediate foul following the FSU free throw, The Panthers' Kishona Sutton sealed the victory with a pair of free throws with nine seconds left.
Before fouling out, Hyman finished as the leading scorer with 25 points and had five assists. Bennett followed with a dozen points and Williams finished with ten.
Shareka McNeill led the Panthers with 22 points and her twin Shameka had 11.
Fayetteville State had a better performance in field goals with 38.6% (22-57) to VUU's 37.7% and three pointers at 42.9% (9-21) but only had nine trips to the free throw line. The Panthers out-rebounded FSU 45-31 and forced 22 turnovers that led to 23 points.
The Broncos will host Elizabeth City State in a conference matchup on Monday, December 16
th at 5:30 p.m.
