SHIPPENSBURG, PA --The Fayetteville State women's basketball team got a 34-point performance from the bench on the way to a 72-48 season opener win against the Shippensburg (PA) Red Raiders on the road Friday.
Shippensburg's record now stands at 0-1. Their leader player, Abbie Johns, scored 14 points and contributed 2 rebounds.
The Broncos (1-0) had two players score in double figures, led by Talia Trotter, who had 17 points and four assists. Daziyahna Wilson added 11 points from the bench and Keayna McLaughlin added seven points, four assists and five steals.
Morgan Graham pulled down four offensive rebounds to lead an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Fayetteville State, grabbing 13 boards and turning them into three second chance points.
Fayetteville State's defense held Shippensburg (PA) to only 34.1 percent shooting from the field, including 28.6 percent from beyond the arc. The Red Raiders did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with seven offensive rebounds and managed zero second chance points while Fayetteville State cleared 26 defensive rebounds.
Fayetteville State's basketball team showcased their dominance in a thrilling game against Shippensburg. After an early deficit, they surged ahead with an 8-0 run, thanks to Kanyah O'Neal's crucial basket. By the end of the first quarter, they led 18-14, with a significant portion of their points coming from inside the paint.
The Broncos extended their lead in the second quarter, highlighted by a 9-0 run and McLaughlin's key bucket, entering halftime with a comfortable 38-23 advantage. Their defense was stellar, forcing eight turnovers and converting them into points.
In the third quarter, Fayetteville State continued to pull away, with an 11-0 run capped by Trotter's basket, pushing their lead to 53-25. Despite a slight comeback from the Red Raiders, the Broncos maintained a strong 59-35 lead going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Fayetteville State further solidify their lead, with a 6-0 run and a three-pointer from Alivia Evans, ultimately securing a decisive 72-48 victory. Their impressive shooting from beyond the arc and relentless defense were key factors in their win.
Fayetteville State dominated from beyond the arc with nine three-pointers. The Broncos' defense was equally impressive, holding the Red Raiders to just 34.1% shooting from the field and forcing 26 turnovers. After taking an 18-14 lead in the first quarter, Fayetteville State never looked back. Their teamwork was evident with 16 assists, and the bench contributed significantly with 34 points. The Broncos also controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Red Raiders 39-33, including 13 offensive rebounds. Talia Trotter led the charge with a game-high 17 points, while Nyah Wilkins grabbed a game-high eight rebounds. This comprehensive effort secured a well-deserved victory for Fayetteville State.
The Bronco's will play Kutztown tomorrow at 4:00 PM in the Shippensburg Classic.
