AIKEN, S.C. -- In a hard-fought battle on the road, the Fayetteville State Broncos fell to the USC Aiken Pacers, 69-61, on Saturday at the Convocation Center in Aiken, SC. Despite a stellar performance from Ezekiel Cannedy, who scored 22 points and added six rebounds and three steals, the Broncos couldn't hold off the Pacers' late surge.
Caleb Simmons contributed his 3rd double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Tairell Fletcher chipped in with 12 points, four assists, and two steals. Simmons was particularly effective on the offensive glass, pulling down three offensive rebounds as part of Fayetteville State's 12 total, which they converted into 15 second-chance points.
The game started with Fayetteville State taking an early lead after a 12-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Cannedy, putting them ahead 21-11. However, USC Aiken responded and tied the game at 28-28 by halftime. The Broncos dominated the paint in the first half, scoring 14 of their 28 points close to the basket.
Fayetteville State began the second half strong, going on a 6-0 run to take a 34-28 lead. But the Pacers, led by standout performances from Rhyjon Blackwell and Jalen McCoy, took control from there. Blackwell scored 17 points, shooting 5-9 from the field and 3-6 from beyond the arc, while McCoy added 14 points and two rebounds.
USC Aiken outscored Fayetteville State 41-27 in the second half, securing the victory and improving their record to 6-3 overall.
The Broncos will be back in action at home all week as they kick off conference play. Fans can look forward to exciting doubleheaders with the women's team on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Dec. 17th: Elizabeth City State beginning at 5:30 PM
- Thursday, Dec. 19th: Virginia State beginning at 5:30 PM
- Saturday, Dec. 21st: Bluefield State beginnng at 2:00 PM
For more details and game links, visit fsubroncos.com/gameday.
