PEMBROKE, NC – Despite a strong performance from Talia Trotter and Keayna McLaughlin, who combined for 34 points (60.7% of Fayetteville State's total), the Broncos fell to the 3-1 overall UNC Pembroke Braves, 63-56, on the road Wednesday.

Trotter led the Broncos (2-3 overall) with 20 points and four steals, while McLaughlin added 14 points. Taleah Stephens contributed five points and two blocks off the bench.

Fayetteville State excelled on the offensive glass, pulling down 11 offensive rebounds. The Broncos also showcased their defensive prowess with ten blocks, including five from Morgan Graham.

The game started rough for Fayetteville State, as they trailed 20-9 at the end of the first quarter. UNCP extended their lead to 33-17 before the Broncos went on a 6-0 run, narrowing the gap to 33-23. However, the Braves responded, and Fayetteville State found themselves down 36-25 at halftime.

After the break, North Carolina-Pembroke continued to build their lead, reaching 47-31. Fayetteville State answered with a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Stephens, cutting the deficit to 47-36 with 2:51 left in the third quarter. The Braves pushed back, ending the third quarter with a 55-40 lead. Fayetteville State scored 12 of their 15 third-quarter points in the paint.

In the fourth quarter, the Broncos narrowed the gap to 59-48 and then went on a 6-0 run, capped by a Trotter layup, to make it 59-54 with 3:44 remaining. However, UNCP held on, outscoring Fayetteville State down the stretch to secure the 63-56 victory. FSU capitalized on their opportunities in the paint, scoring 14 of their 16 fourth-quarter points inside.

Defensively, the Broncos forced 20 turnovers, showcasing their tenacity throughout the game.

Fayetteville State will travel to Clayton State on Saturday, November 23 for a 1:30 match-up.