TIP OFF: The Broncos return to Capel Arena hosting Claflin University, the top team in the CIAA Southern Division standings. This is the first game between the two schools since February 16th, 2022, with FSU having won the last three meetings. Both schools have identical 6-3 conference record and this game will decide the active first place position in the south.
SLIM MARGINS: FSU has made a habit of playing close games of late, with each of their last three contests being decided by one score. FSU has come away 2-1 over the stretch while holding just a +3 point differential over their opponents. Altogether, FSU has found ways to win the nail-biter, going 4-1 across the five-games against CIAA opponents this season that have been decided by a bucket.
DEFENSIVE IDENTITY: The Broncos enter Thursday with the second best scoring defense in the conference, allowing just 62.8 PPG to opponents. A strong defensive style of play has helped balance out the Broncos offense that is also scoring 62.8 PPG, the second lowest rate in the CIAA. Head Coach
Luke D'Alessio's teams have historically won with defense. The Broncos allowed the fewest PPG to opponents (61.D) last season en route to their second conference championship in school history.
FEAR FOSTER: Tyler Foster has established himself as a key starter for FSU. He scored a season-high 28 points vs. Shaw on 12/14, the most by a Bronco this season. Since becoming a full-time starter on 12/19, Foster is averaging 16.7 PPG.
GO DJ, GO DJ: Forward DJ Myers enjoyed one of the games of his career at Lincoln University on 1/5. Myers yanked in a career-high 14 rebounds and scored a season-high 14 points, which included a buzzer-beater to defeat the Lions 65-64. He was later named CIAA Week #9 Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.
CRUTCH IS CLUTCH: Guard
Jacob Crutchfield has scored 92 pts during his senior season after scoring a combined 69 pts over his first three seasons with FSU. On 1/18/22 vs. Living- stone set career marks in FG (6), 3-pointers (4) and points (20).
POST UP: Center
Kaleb Coleman is averaging 15.3 PPG and 7.3 RPG over his last three games.
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