FAYETTEVILLE, NC --Aniylah Bryant collected 20 points to help lead the Fayetteville State women's basketball team past the Claflin Panthers 67-50 at home Wednesday.

The Broncos (17-2, 10-1) had three players score in double figures, led by Bryant, who had 20 points, four assists and six steals. Keayna McLaughlin added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds and Amina Miles chipped in as well with 11 points and six rebounds.

The Panthers (11-8, 5-6) were led by Lauren Scott who scored 20 points. 

Ashara Hayes pulled down two offensive rebounds to lead an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Fayetteville State, grabbing 12 boards and turning them into seven second chance points.

The Fayetteville State defense caused its share of mistakes in Wednesday's game, forcing 21 Claflin turnovers while committing 14. Those takeaways turned into 21 points on the other end of the floor. Bryant's six steals led the way individually for the Broncos.

How It Happened

Fayetteville State started out the scoring by going on a 7-0 run, culminating in a bucket from Bryant, to take an early lead with 8:41 left in the first quarter. The Broncos then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 20-15 advantage. Fayetteville State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 12 of its 20 points close to the basket.

Fayetteville State kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 9-0 run starting at the 5:07 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Bryant, to increase its lead to 33-21. The Broncos kept that lead for the remainder of the period and enjoyed a 40-28 advantage heading into halftime. Fayetteville State dominated in the paint, scoring 12 of its 20 points close to the basket.

Following intermission, Fayetteville State continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 48-32 before going on a 7-0 run to expand its lead further to 55-32 with 5:34 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Panthers had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Broncos still entered the fourth quarter with a 59-41 edge. Fayetteville State played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 19 points in the paint.

Fayetteville State kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Daziyahna Wilson's layup, to grow the lead to 67-47 with 3:10 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 67-50 win. Fayetteville State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring six of its eight points in the paint.

Game Notes

» Keayna McLaughlin notched a double-double for the Broncos with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
» The Broncos held the Panthers to only 31.6 percent shooting from the field.
» The Broncos never trailed after taking a 20-15 first quarter lead.
» Fayetteville State had a 47-42 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Fayetteville State defense forced 21 turnovers.
» Fayetteville State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Aniylah Bryant led the Broncos with 20 points.
» Fayetteville State got a team-high 11 rebounds from Keayna McLaughlin.

The women will host the Falcons of St. Augustine University at the Felton J. Capel Arena on Saturday, February 3rd with tip-off beginning at 2:00pm.