Fayetteville, NC – Fayetteville State women's basketball improves to 10-5 in the CIAA and 6-3 in the division on the efforts of
Imani Elliott's career performance of 20 points. The Broncos defeated Claflin (6-18, 5-9 CIAA) 70-54 for a 13-10 overall record. Elliott was perfect in three-point shooting with four made attempts.
Rasheka Simmons added 17 points and
Danica Lucas scored 11. The Broncos shot 49% (25-51) from the field
It was a fast-paced game for Fayetteville State, which forced the Panthers into ten turnovers (due to ten steals). Claflin committed an extra ten turnovers without the pressure. From the turnovers, FSU scored 23 points and 14 fast break points.
The Broncos separated themselves from Claflin with a first-quarter 9-0 run in a little under two minutes (1:57) for a 15-8 lead.
Imani Elliott led the run with five points as
Rasheka Simmons contributed four. Claflin went 0-5 from the field during the spurt. FSU closed out the quarter ahead, 24-17.
Elliott surpassed her season-high of 12 points in the first half with 15, after making 3-of-3 from beyond the three-point arc.
Claflin trailed closely to the Broncos in scoring in the second quarter to only be behind 39-30 at the half.
FSU dominated the third quarter 17-9 to lead 56-38 going into the final segment of the game.
The Panthers finished the game making 31.3% (21-67) of its shots and outrebounded the Broncos 52-29. Claflin kept the game in check through the first half with second-chance points and 24 offensive rebounds.
Fayetteville State will travel to Saint Augustine's (Raleigh, NC) on Saturday for its regular-season finale.
