Baltimore, MD – A long-awaited championship tournament rematch between the Broncos and the Lions has come. FSU (Southern Division champs) and Lincoln (PA) (Northern Division champs) face off in the 2024 CIAA Championship game today, March 2. Game time begins at 4:00 pm, following the women's championship game at 1:00 pm.

Watch the matchup with an ESPNU subscription. Visit www.ciaatournament.org to access all tournament information.

About the Broncos
FSU has reached the semi-finals or beyond in each of the last four years of the tournament. They won it all during the 2021-22 year, topping Virginia Union 65-62 to secure the first school title in 50 years and second in program history (1973, 2021).

The last time the Broncos and Lions met in the CIAA Tournament, the Lions came out with a 53-49 win in the semifinal round, ending the Broncos' championship journey early. They have also met in the tournament in 2014 (W 81-74) and 2018 (W 62-55).

Over the last two seasons under head coach Luke D'Alessio, the Broncos have been a defensive-minded group. They once again led the CIAA in scoring defense, allowing just 62.6 points per game, slightly above their 2022-23 mark of 61.0 per game. Winning a low-point battle will be key for FSU during the tournament as the team scores just 65.3 points per game, the lowest average in the CIAA.

In yesterday's semifinal game vs Virginia Union, the Broncos beat the Panthers (14-18 overall) 53-51. 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.

About the Lions
In yesterday's semifinal game vs Claflin, the Lions secured their spot in the championship with a 58-52 victory.

Team leaders included Reggie Hudson with 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and five steals. Janai Coates-Sinues and Freddie Young Jr. had seven points each. Hudson was named the Food Lion MVP of the Game as well.
Their overall shooting was 20-53 from the field and 3-11 from beyond the arc.

For more info about FSU Broncos Men's Basketball, visit fsubroncos.com.

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