Game Preview: Fayetteville State vs. Virginia State
Date: December 19, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Felton J. Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: www.fsubroncos.com/sportsnetwork
Tickets: FREE
The Fayetteville State Broncos women's basketball team is gearing up for a highly anticipated clash against the Virginia State Trojans. Both teams have showcased their strengths this season, with Fayetteville State's solid defense and Virginia State's high-scoring offense setting the stage for an exciting game. Key players like
Talia Trotter and Mihjae Hayes will be in the spotlight, as their performances could be decisive. Fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with intense competition and standout moments.
Key Players and Stats
Fayetteville State Broncos
- Talia Trotter: Leading the team with 14.8 points per game (PPG), shooting 48.3% from the field.
- Morgan Graham: Averaging 7.9 PPG and 5.4 rebounds per game (RPG), shooting an impressive 56.8%.
- Keayna McLaughlin: Contributing 7.3 PPG and 4.6 RPG.
- Nyah Wilkins: Averaging 6.3 RPG and contributing significantly on defense.
Virginia State Trojans
- Anii Harris: Known for her quickness and defensive tenacity. She excels at creating turnovers and converting them into fast-break opportunities. Offensively, she can drive to the basket effectively and is a reliable mid-range shooter. Points per game: 11.8, Rebounds per game: 4.3, Assists per game: 3.5, Steals per game: 2.1
- Amesha Miller: A dominant force in the paint. She has a strong presence on both ends of the court, excelling in rebounding and shot-blocking. Offensively, she can score efficiently around the rim and has a decent mid-range shot. Points per game: 12.2, Rebounds per game: 8.2, Blocks per game: 1.4, Field goal percentage: 50%
- Mihjae Hayes: A skilled playmaker with excellent court vision. She is adept at setting up her teammates and can score when needed. Her quickness allows her to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities. Points per game: 10.7, Assists per game: 3.9, Rebounds per game: 2.5, Steals per game: 1.8
Recent Performance Trends
Fayetteville State Broncos
The Broncos have a mixed start with a 5-4 record. They have shown strong defensive capabilities, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. Their bench has been a significant contributor, adding depth to their lineup.
Virginia State Trojans
The Trojans recently secured an 85-71 victory over UDC, showcasing their fast-paced transition offense and aggressive defense. They have been effective in controlling the tempo and forcing turnovers.
Team Comparisons
| Category |
Fayetteville St. |
|
Virginia St. |
| Points Per Game (PPG) |
64.1 |
|
70.2 |
| Field Goal Percentage (FG%) |
39.4% |
|
42.1% |
| Three-Point Percentage (3PT%) |
23.6% |
|
31.4% |
| Free Throw Percentage (FT%) |
73.3% |
|
68.7% |
| Total Rebounds Per Game (RPG) |
37.5 |
|
39.8 |
| Offensive Rebounds Per Game |
11.1 |
|
12.3 |
| Defensive Rebounds Per Game |
26.4 |
|
27.5 |
| Assists Per Game (APG) |
13.6 |
|
15.2 |
| Turnovers Per Game (TO/G) |
16.5 |
|
17.1 |
| Assist/Turnover Ratio |
0.8 |
|
0.9 |
| Steals Per Game (SPG) |
10.8 |
|
9.4 |
| Blocks Per Game (BPG) |
4.1 |
|
3.8 |
Historical Performance
CIAA Tournament History: Fayetteville State and Virginia State have a competitive history in the CIAA Tournament. Fayetteville State won their last matchup in the semifinals of the 2024 CIAA Tournament with a dominant 86-61 victory. Historically, Fayetteville State has had the upper hand in their tournament matchups.
Key Matchup
Talia Trotter vs. Mihjae Hayes: This matchup will be crucial as both players are key scorers and playmakers for their teams. Trotter's efficiency and Hayes' all-around game will be pivotal in determining the outcome.
What to Watch For
- Turnover Battle: Both teams excel at forcing turnovers. The team that can better handle the pressure and convert turnovers into points will have a significant advantage.
- Bench Contributions: Fayetteville State's bench has been a strong point. Watch for how their depth impacts the game, especially in maintaining energy and performance throughout.
- Rebounding: With Virginia State's slight edge in rebounding, controlling the boards will be critical for both teams to limit second-chance points.
This matchup promises to be an exciting and competitive game, with both teams bringing their strengths to the court.
