FAYETTEVILLE, NC --The Fayetteville State men's basketball team shot 53.3 percent from beyond the arc on the way to a 72-66 victory over the Claflin Panthers at home Wednesday.
The Broncos (12-9, 7-4) had three players score in double figures, led by Tairell Fletcher, who had 19 points, five assists and two steals. Kaleb Coleman added 18 points and Caleb Simmons helped out with 10 points.
The Panthers (10-8, 7-3) were led by Damerius Wash who contributed 16 points.
Led by Sean Tony Hauser's four offensive rebounds, Fayetteville State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 12 boards that resulted in six second chance points.
The Fayetteville State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Wednesday's game, forcing 17 Claflin turnovers while committing 15. Those takeaways turned into 17 points on the other end of the floor. Khalil Ridges' two steals led the way individually for the Broncos.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 30-23 advantage, Fayetteville State went on a 7-0 run with 1:56 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Coleman, to increase its lead to 37-23, a score that would hold until halftime. Fayetteville State relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down five shots to account for 15 of its 37 points.
Fayetteville State kept its lead intact before going on a 9-0 run, finished off by Fletcher's layup, to grow the lead to 50-33 with 14:00 to go in the contest. The Panthers narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Broncos still cruised the rest of the way for the 72-66 win. Fayetteville State capitalized on 10 Claflin turnovers in the period, collecting nine points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
» The Broncos made over half of their attempts from three point range, knocking down eight of 15 shots.
» Fayetteville State never trailed on the way to a 72-66 victory.
» The Fayetteville State defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Fayetteville State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
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Tairell Fletcher led the Broncos with a game-high 19 points.
» Fayetteville State got a team-high eight rebounds from
Sean Tony Hauser.
The men will host the St. Augustine Falcons at the Felton J. Capel Arena on Saturday, February 3rd with tip-off beginning at 4:00pm.
