Fayetteville State FSU-W 8-5 (4-1 CIAA)

Virginia Union VUU-W 7-6 (2-2 CIAA)

Fayetteville State FSU-W

8-5 (4-1 CIAA)

Final

Jan. 07, 2023

Virginia Union VUU-W

7-6 (2-2 CIAA)

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	3	4	F
Fayetteville State FSU-W	17	11	21	19	68
Virginia Union VUU-W	18	14	16	18	66

Summary
Box Score

Charles Mardre

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 1/7/2023 6:29:00 PM

Simmons' Game-Winner Leads Fayetteville State Over Virginia Union, 68-66

RICHMOND, VA -- Rasheka Simmons hit a shot with just seven seconds remaining in the game to put the Fayetteville State women's basketball team ahead for good in a 68-66 win over the Virginia Union Panthers (7-6 overall, 2-2 CIAA) on the road Saturday.

The Broncos (8-5, 4-1) had three players score in double figures, led by Morgan Graham, who had 15 points and four blocks. Aniylah Bryant tacked on 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals and Keayna McLaughlin chipped in as well with 10 points.

The VUU Panthers had a 25-point game by Ny Langley and 12 points by Zoila Martinez and Taniah Johnson. Langley and Martinez also had double-doubles with 13 and 11 rebounds.

Fayetteville State did a great job disrupting Virginia Union shots in the contest, coming away with seven blocks. Graham's four rejections led the way individually for the Broncos. FSU had more points in the paint (32-26) and more second chance scores (24-17).

How It Happened

After falling behind 3-2, Fayetteville State went on a 7-0 run with 6:37 left in the first quarter to take a 9-3 lead. The Broncos then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 18-17.

Virginia Union kept adding to that lead, building a 20-17 advantage before Fayetteville State went on a 5-0 run to take a 22-20 lead. The Panthers then came roaring back to take a 32-28 lead heading into halftime.

Virginia Union continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 45-34 advantage before Fayetteville State went on a 10-0 run to trim its deficit to 45-44 with 1:37 to go in the third. The Broncos kept the rally going and took control on a Bryant free throw at the end of the period for a 49-48 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Fayetteville State took advantage of 13 Virginia Union turnovers in the quarter, scoring nine points off of takeaways.

The Broncos increased their margin until the first tie of the quarter at 56-56 at the 4:59 mark. The period would see three more knotted scores until the final (66-66) with 28 seconds to go. After the pair of free throws by Langley, Rasheka Simmons made good on a layup with seven seconds on the clock to advance the Broncos to the victory.

FSU outscored the Panthers 19-18 in the fourth quarter.

Game Notes

» Rasheka Simmons' shot with 7 seconds left put Fayetteville State ahead for good.
» The Broncos held the Panthers to only 38.2 percent shooting from the field.
» The Broncos shared the ball well, recording an assist on 71 percent of made baskets.
» The Fayetteville State bench came alive by scoring 23 points to its scoring output.
» The Broncos forced 24 Virginia Union turnovers while committing only 14 on the other end.
» The Fayetteville State defense forced 24 turnovers.
» The Broncos were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording seven blocks as a team.
» Fayetteville State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» Morgan Graham and Aniylah Bryant led the Broncos with 15 points apiece.
» Fayetteville State got six rebounds from both Rasheka Simmons and Aniylah Bryant.