BALTIMORE, MD -- Caleb Simmons scored 20 points and Kaleb Coleman added 13 more, combining to score 33 of Fayetteville State's 53 total points as the Broncos beat the Virginia Union (14-18 overall) Panthers 53-51 in the Food Lion CIAA Men's Semifinals at CFG Bank Arena Friday. The Broncos will make its first return to the title game since winning it in 2022 in Baltimore.
Fayetteville State will face Lincoln Pa. for the Championship, Saturday at 4:00 pm.
The Broncos (18-12 overall) had two players score in double figures, led by Simmons, who had 20 points and nine rebounds. Coleman added 13 points and two blocks and Tairell Fletcher added seven points and six assists.
Fayetteville State's defense held Virginia Union to only 36 percent shooting from the field. The Broncos also limited Tahj Harding to 6-of-21 shooting in the game.
How It Happened
After falling behind 6-3, Fayetteville State went on an 8-0 run with 12:42 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Myles Pierre, to take an 11-6 lead. The Broncos then added two points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 25-18 advantage. Fayetteville State capitalized on eight Virginia Union turnovers in the period, turning them into 11 points on the other end of the floor.
The Panthers proceeded to tie things up at 42-42 before Fayetteville State went on a 7-0 run, finished off by Simmons' layup, to seize a 49-42 lead with 2:52 to go in the contest. The Panthers narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Broncos still held on for the 53-51 win.
Game Notes
» The Broncos held the Panthers to only 36 percent shooting from the field.
»
Caleb Simmons,
Kaleb Coleman, and
D'Marco Baucum combined to account for 75 percent of the Broncos points.
» The Fayetteville State defense forced 13 turnovers.
»
Caleb Simmons led the Broncos with a game-high 20 points.
» Fayetteville State got a team-high nine rebounds from
Caleb Simmons.
