FAIRMONT, WV --The Fayetteville State women's basketball team had 13 fewer turnovers than Indiana (PA) in a 72-63 victory over the Crimson Hawks at Joe Retton Arena Friday. FSU advances to the regional semifinals to face host Fairmont State at 7 pm Saturday night. 

The victory is the first in Atlantic Region play and third victory in NCAA playoffs.

"It wasn't about just winning the CIAA Tournament," said HC Tyreece Brown. "We want to make noise in the NCAA Tournament. This is a great testament to this team and our staff."

The Broncos (28-2) had three players score in double figures, led by Aniylah Bryant, who had 23 points and eight steals. Talia Trotter tacked on 15 points and two steals and Daziyahna Wilson chipped in as well with 10 points and two steals off of the bench.

Fayetteville State did a great job disrupting Indiana (PA) shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Morgan Graham led the way individually for the Broncos with three rejections.

How It Happened

After falling behind 2-0, Fayetteville State went on a 5-0 run with 9:13 left in the first quarter to take a 5-2 lead. The Broncos then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 17-12.

Indiana (PA) kept adding to that lead, building a 22-14 advantage before Fayetteville State went on a 6-0 run to narrow its deficit to 22-20. The Broncos were unable to narrow the gap any further, but did not lose ground either and entered halftime with a 30-28 deficit.

Indiana (PA) continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 38-34 advantage before Fayetteville State went on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Bryant, to grab a 41-38 lead with 2:55 to go in the third. Before the third period was over, the Broncos added two points to that lead and entered the fourth quarter with a 47-42 edge. Fayetteville State played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 19 points in the paint.

Fayetteville State kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 71-62 with 23 seconds to go in the contest. The Broncos held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 72-63 win. Fayetteville State got up and down the court quickly in the quarter, scoring 11 fast break points.

Game Notes

» The Broncos held the Crimson Hawks to only 38.9 percent shooting from the field.
» The Fayetteville State bench made an impact by adding 22 points to its scoring output.
» The Broncos forced 29 Indiana (PA) turnovers while committing only 16 on the other end.
» Aniylah Bryant swiped eight steals for the Broncos in the game.
» The Fayetteville State defense forced 29 turnovers.
» The Broncos were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Aniylah Bryant led the Broncos with a game-high 23 points.
» Fayetteville State got a team-high six rebounds from Keayna McLaughlin.
» This is the first Atlantic Region victory for the women's program.
»  FSU won a South Atlantic Region game over Francis Marion in 1997 and a Mid-Atlantic game over Catawba in 2003.