Game Preview: Fayetteville State vs. Elizabeth City State
Date: December 17, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Felton J. Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: www.fsubroncos.com/sportsnetwork
Tickets: FREE
Fayetteville State Broncos
The Fayetteville State Broncos are returning home to Capel Arena with a solid 6-3 overall record. FSU has shown resilience and strength, particularly in their home games, where they have maintained an undefeated streak. Key players to watch include their leading scorers and playmakers,
Caleb Simmons and
Tairell Fletcher, who have been pivotal in recent victories. The Broncos will be looking to leverage their home-court advantage and continue their winning momentum heading into its first CIAA game of the season.
Key Players and Stats:
Recent Performance Trends:
- The Broncos have won 4 of their last 5 games, showcasing strong offensive and defensive plays.
- Their recent victory against Virginia Union (71-58) highlighted their defensive prowess.
- Despite a recent loss to USC Aiken (61-69), the team has maintained a competitive edge.
Elizabeth City State Vikings
The Elizabeth City State Vikings have also had a strong start to their season, boasting a 6-3 record. ECSU has demonstrated versatility and depth in its roster, with several players stepping up in crucial moments. The Vikings will aim to bounce back from their recent conference loss to Shaw (66-83) and make a statement on the road. Their defense will be a critical factor in this matchup, as they look to contain the high-scoring Broncos.
Key Players and Stats:
- Michael Eads Jr.: 14.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.1 APG
- Xavier Tubbs-Matthews: 13.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 3.7 APG
- Dericko Williams: 12.4 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.4 APG
Recent Performance Trends:
- The Vikings have won 3 of their last 5 games, with a notable win against Augusta (79-62).
- ECSU's offense has been particularly strong, averaging 83.1 points per game.
- ECSU most recently won a 117-113 overtime game at the University of Mount Olive.
Team Comparisons
| Category |
Fayetteville State |
Elizabeth City State |
| Points Per Game (PPG) |
76.5 |
83.1 |
| Field Goal % (FG%) |
46.0% |
47.5% |
| 3-Point % (3PT%) |
33.6% |
37.1% |
| Free Throw % (FT%) |
82.5% |
68.3% |
| Rebounds Per Game (RPG) |
32.6 |
35.0 |
| Assists Per Game (APG) |
9.8 |
13.9 |
| Turnovers Per Game (TO/G) |
10.9 |
16.2 |
| Steals Per Game (STL/G) |
7.5 |
8.1 |
| Blocks Per Game (BLK/G) |
3.8 |
4.2 |
Historical Performance
In their last five matchups, Fayetteville State has had the upper hand, winning three out of five games against Elizabeth City State. The most recent encounter saw Fayetteville State narrowly lose to Elizabeth City State 65-59. Historically, these games have been closely contested, often decided by single-digit margins, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry.
Key Matchup
The battle in the paint will be a focal point of this game. Fayetteville State's dominant big men will clash with Elizabeth City State's agile forwards, making for an exciting and physical contest. Rebounding and second-chance points could very well determine the outcome.
What to Watch For
- Three-Point Shooting: Both teams have sharpshooters who can change the game's dynamics with their perimeter shooting.
- Turnovers: Ball control will be crucial. The team that minimizes turnovers will likely have the upper hand.
- Bench Contributions: Depth could play a significant role, with both teams needing strong performances from their bench players.
This game promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. Fans can expect a high-energy game with plenty of action and strategic plays. As part of the Broncos Community Game series, all patrons will be admitted FREE of charge to the game. Don't miss it!
