FAYETTEVILLE, NC --The Fayetteville State women's basketball team went into the halftime break tied with Virginia State 18-18, but took control in the second half to defeat the Trojans 62-49 at home Saturday. The Trojans are now 4-6 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
Morgan Graham led the Broncos (6-4, 2-0 CIAA) with six points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Aniylah Bryant also added 18 points and Keayna McLaughlin chipped in as well with nine points and nine rebounds.
Fayetteville State out-rebounded Virginia State 45-42 in Saturday's game, led by Graham's 10 boards. The Broncos also pulled down 11 offensive rebounds and scored 11 second chance points.
The Fayetteville State defense held Virginia State shooters to just 22.2 percent from the field, including 17.4 percent from three-point range.
How It Happened
Fayetteville State started out the scoring by going on an 8-0 run, culminating in a bucket from Alexis Radcliff, to take an early lead with 2:23 left in the first quarter. The Broncos then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with an 8-4 advantage. Fayetteville State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring four of its eight points close to the basket.
The Broncos surrendered their lead in the second quarter and entered halftime with the score tied 18-18. Fayetteville State dominated in the paint, scoring six of its 10 points close to the basket.
Fayetteville State started the third quarter on a high note, going on an 11-0 run, punctuated by a basket from McLaughlin, to grab a 29-18 lead with 7:52 to go in the third. Before the third period was over, the Broncos added four points to that lead and entered the fourth quarter with an 46-31 edge. Fayetteville State played well near the basket, scoring 16 of its 28 points in the paint.
The Broncos then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. Fayetteville State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 16 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Broncos held the Trojans to only 22.2 percent shooting from the field.
» Fayetteville State had a stellar day defensively, holding Virginia State to 17 percent from beyond the arc on 23 attempts.
» The Fayetteville State bench came alive by adding 20 points to its scoring output.
» Fayetteville State had a 45-42 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Fayetteville State defense forced 20 turnovers.
» The Broncos were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying six blocks as a team.
» Fayetteville State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Aniylah Bryant led the Broncos with 18 points.
» Fayetteville State got a game-high 10 rebounds from Morgan Graham.
