Fayetteville, NC – Fayetteville State (8-7 overall, 6-2 CIAA) let the wind out of Shaw's sail with a 68-55 victory in Fayetteville, NC. Shaw University (6-9 overall, 2-5 CIAA) recently defeated regionally ranked Lincoln (Pa.) in Raleigh and entered the late game in Capel Arena with high spirits. The Broncos currently holds reign in the Southern Division with the 6-2 conference record and perfect 4-0 divisional standing.
 
Shantel Bennett (Sanford, NC) opened the first half with 12 points on her way a team-high 16 to give the Broncos a 38-17 lead at halftime. Shaw was held to two points in the second quarter as FSU scored 23. The game was knotted at 15 after the first period.
 
Five of the eight Broncos who played scored in double digits behind Bennett. Point guard Chantel Williams (Charlotte, NC) finished one-point behind Shantel with 15 and Katisha Hyman (Chocowinity, NC) dropped 13. London Thompson scored her second double-double game with a dozen points and ten rebounds (a game high). Aminata Johnson (Durham, NC) almost completed a double-double with ten points and nine rebounds.
 
Fayetteville State led by as many as 30 (52-22) until the Bears attempted to chip away at the score. Shaw outscored FSU 20-16 in the third quarter but the Broncos led by 17 (54-37) at the end of the period. Despite being outscored again in the fourth quarter 18-14, Fayetteville State maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game.
 
Dejoria Howard led the game for Shaw with 17 points. Sydni Callis followed with 15. Victoria Swanson and Diamonique Kennedy chipped in 11 and ten, respectively.
 
Fayetteville State will have another shot at ranked Bowie State on Monday (Jan. 13) at 5:30 in Capel Arena.