FAYETTEVILLE, NC --The Fayetteville State men's basketball team got a 34-point performance from the bench on the way to a 76-71 victory against the Virginia State Trojans (3-5 overall) at home Saturday.

The Broncos (4-5 overall) had three players score in double figures, led by Tairell Fletcher, who had 21 points. Caleb Simmons added 13 points and two steals off of the bench and Marcus Elliott chipped in as well with 13 points from the bench.

Fayetteville State out-rebounded Virginia State 35-33 in Saturday's game, led by Simmons' five boards.

Fayetteville State forced 16 Virginia State turnovers while committing 12 themselves in Saturday's game. The Broncos turned those takeaways into 22 points on the other end of the floor. Simmons' two steals led the way for Fayetteville State.

How It Happened

After falling behind 25-24, Fayetteville State went on an 8-0 run with 6:32 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Myles Pierre, to take a 32-25 lead. The Broncos then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 38-35 advantage. Fayetteville State did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 20 of its 38 points close to the basket.

Fayetteville State kept its lead intact before going on a 12-0 run, finished off by Fletcher's jumper, to grow the lead to 62-49 with 7:00 to go in the contest. The Trojans narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Broncos still held on for the 76-71 win. Fayetteville State got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 16 of its 38 total points.
 

Game Notes

» The Fayetteville State bench made an impact by scoring 34 points to its scoring output.
» Caleb Simmons and Marcus Elliott came off the bench to score 13 points apiece.
» Fayetteville State had a 35-33 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Fayetteville State defense forced 16 turnovers.
» Tairell Fletcher led the Broncos with a game-high 21 points.
» Fayetteville State got five rebounds from both Caleb Simmons and Marcus Elliott.

The Broncos will return to Felton J. Capel Arena on Sunday, December 10th to face off against the Methodist Lions with tip off beginning at 4:00 pm. Read Full Article