FAYETTEVILLE, NC -- The Fayetteville State men's basketball team got a 20-point showing from the bench but fell 73-60 to the Virginia State Trojans at home on Thursday. This loss brings Fayetteville State's record to 7-4 overall and 1-1 in the CIAA, while Virginia State improves to 7-4 overall and 2-0 in the CIAA.
Virginia State was led by Jacob Cooper, who scored 20 points, shooting 5-9 from the field, 1-2 from three-point range, and 9-10 from the free-throw line. Cooper also contributed two rebounds, one assist, and two steals.
Fayetteville State had two players score in double figures, led by Ezekiel Cannedy with 16 points. Myles Pierre added 13 points and two steals off the bench, while Caleb Simmons chipped in with eight points and seven rebounds. Anthony Latty's six offensive rebounds helped Fayetteville State crash the offensive glass effectively, pulling down 18 boards that resulted in 14 second-chance points.
The Fayetteville State defense was effective at taking away the basketball, forcing 15 Virginia State turnovers while committing 11. Those takeaways turned into 16 points on the offensive end. Pierre's two steals led the way individually for the Broncos.
After falling behind 33-19, Fayetteville State went on a 7-0 run with 5:17 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Simmons, to narrow its deficit to 33-26. The Broncos continued to close the gap, cutting the Virginia State lead to 38-34 by the end of the first half.
Virginia State kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 57-41 advantage before Fayetteville State went on a 5-0 run, finished off by Tairell Fletcher's jumper, to shrink the deficit to 57-46 with 9:10 to go in the contest. Virginia State responded and outscored the Broncos the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 73-60. Fayetteville State capitalized on seven Virginia State turnovers in the period, collecting seven points off those turnovers.
The Fayetteville State bench made an impact by adding 20 points to its scoring output. The Fayetteville State defense forced 15 turnovers and cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 18 offensive boards in the game. Ezekiel Cannedy led the Broncos with 16 points, and Anthony Latty grabbed a game-high nine rebounds.
Coach Luke D'Alessio commented on the game, saying, "Unfortunately today, we did not play the kind of disciplined team we are supposed to be on offensive or defensive. Two of our better players both had bad days, offensively and defensively." Looking ahead to the upcoming game against Bluefield, he added, "They are going to press you the whole game. It's whether we can handle their pressure."
The men will play their last game before the holiday break at Capel Arena on Saturday, December 21st at 4:00 PM against Bluefield State. Admission is free.
