FAYETTEVILLE, NC -- The Fayetteville State women's basketball team took a 59-54 lead into the fourth quarter, but could not hang on and fell 78-74 to the Wingate Bulldogs at home Saturday.
The Broncos (4-4) had five players score in double figures, led by Aniylah Bryant, who had 21 points and five assists. Keayna McLaughlin tacked on 13 points, two steals and two blocks and Talia Trotter chipped in as well with 11 points.
Fayetteville State took advantage of excellent ball movement in Saturday's game, piling up 17 assists on 27 made field goals. Bryant's five assists paced the Broncos.
Fayetteville State did a great job disrupting Wingate shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. McLaughlin's two rejections led the way individually for the Broncos.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 5-2 advantage, Fayetteville State went on a 9-0 run with 6:42 left in the first quarter to increase its lead to 14-2. The Broncos then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 19-18.
Wingate kept adding to that lead, building a 30-27 advantage before Fayetteville State went on a 9-0 run, highlighted by a three from Trotter, to take a 36-30 lead. The Bulldogs then came roaring back to take a 41-39 lead heading into halftime.
After intermission, Fayetteville State rallied to tie it up at 46-46 before going on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a three from Bryant, to grab a 52-46 lead with 4:30 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Bulldogs had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Broncos still entered the fourth quarter with a 59-54 edge. Fayetteville State scored six fast break points in the quarter.
Wingate proceeded to take a 64-63 lead before Fayetteville State went on a 5-0 run, finished off by Bryant's jumper, to seize a 68-64 lead with 5:21 to go in the contest. Wingate re-asserted control, outscoring the Broncos 14-6 the rest of the way to hand Fayetteville State the 78-74 loss. Fayetteville State fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down two shots to account for six of its 15 points.
Game Notes
» London Thompson notched a double-double for the Broncos with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
» The Broncos shot well from three point range, knocking down 10 of 21 long range attempts.
» The Broncos shared the ball well, recording an assist on 63 percent of made field goals.
» Every Fayetteville State starter scored in double figures.
» Five Fayetteville State players scored 10 or more points.
» The Fayetteville State defense forced 18 turnovers.
» The Broncos were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Fayetteville State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Aniylah Bryant led the Broncos with 21 points.
» Fayetteville State got a game-high 10 rebounds from London Thompson.
