Winston-Salem, NC -- Aniylah Bryant hit a shot with only five seconds remaining on the clock to put the Fayetteville State women's basketball team up for good in a 48-47 victory against the Winston-Salem State Rams on the road Thursday.
The Broncos (21-2, 14-1 CIAA) had two players score in double figures, led by Talia Trotter, who had 10 points, two steals and two blocks. Keayna McLaughlin tacked on 10 points and three steals and Bryant added nine points, seven rebounds and four steals.
The Fayetteville State defense held Winston-Salem shooters to only 37.8 percent from the field. The Rams did not get many second opportunities on the offensive end, as they grabbed only seven offensive rebounds and scored zero second chance points while Fayetteville State pulled down 25 defensive rebounds.
How It Happened
Fayetteville State started off strong, putting together a 13-11 lead heading into the second quarter. Fayetteville State capitalized on 16 WSSU turnovers in the period, turning them into four points on the other end of the floor.
Winston-Salem St. rallied to take a 19-16 lead before Fayetteville State went on a 9-0 run starting at the 4:58 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Trotter, to take a 25-19 lead, a score that would hold until halftime.
After intermission, Fayetteville State held on to its advantage and owned a 31-30 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Fayetteville State knocked down two three-pointers in the quarter to score six of its six total points.
The Rams proceeded to tie things up at 34-34 before Fayetteville State went on a 9-0 run, finished off by Morgan Graham's layup, to seize a 43-34 lead with 5:12 to go in the contest. The Rams narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Broncos still held on for the 48-47 win.
Game Notes
» Aniylah Bryant's free throw with 5 seconds left put Fayetteville State ahead for good.
» The Broncos held the Rams to only 37.8 percent shooting from the field.
» The Fayetteville State defense forced 30 turnovers.
» The Broncos were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording eight blocks as a team.
» Talia Trotter and Keayna McLaughlin led the Broncos with 10 points each.
» Fayetteville State got a game-high 10 rebounds from Morgan Graham.
The Broncos will host Livingstone on Saturday in Capel Arena at 2 pm for Senior Day.
