BALTIMORE, MD --The Fayetteville State women's basketball team is the 2024 Food Lion CIAA Champions after defeating Elizabeth City State 64-59 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD Saturday. This is the fifth conference title for the program and first since 2020.
Aniylah Bryant, who was named to the CIAA All-Tournament Team, was also named the Food Lion Tournament MVP. Joining her on the All-Tournament Team was Nyah Wilkins and the Food Lion Championship Game MVP Keayna McLaughlin.
Currently ranked third in the Atlantic Region, FSU will participate in the NCAA Regionals.
The Broncos (27-2 overall) had four players score in double figures, led by Keayna McLaughlin, who had 17 points and two steals. Talia Trotter added 12 points and four assists and Nyah Wilkins helped out with 12 points, nine rebounds and three steals off the bench.
Led by Aniylah Bryant's four offensive rebounds, Fayetteville State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 11 boards that resulted in 11 second chance points.
Fayetteville State's defense held Elizabeth City State (20-11 overall) to only 27 percent shooting from the field. The Broncos also limited NyAsia Blango to 4-of-15 shooting in the game.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 2-1 advantage, Fayetteville State went on a 5-0 run with 9:02 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Bryant, to increase its lead to 7-1. The Broncos then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 17-13.
Fayetteville State then cut the Vikings lead to 23-22 before going on a 7-0 run to take a 29-23 lead. The Vikings cut into that lead, but the Broncos still enjoyed a 28-24 advantage heading into halftime. FSU forced five Elizabeth City State turnovers in the period and turned them into four points.
After intermission, Fayetteville State held on to its advantage and owned a 44-43 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Fayetteville State played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 16 points in the paint.
The Vikings proceeded to tie things up at 53-53 before Fayetteville State went on a 6-0 run to seize a 59-53 lead with 2:27 to go in the contest. ECSU narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Broncos still held on for the 64-59 win. Fayetteville State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 20 points in the paint.
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Game Notes
Âğ The Broncos held the Vikings to only 27 percent shooting from the field.
Âğ The Fayetteville State defense forced 17 turnovers.
Âğ Fayetteville State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
Âğ Keayna McLaughlin led the Broncos with a game-high 17 points.
Âğ Fayetteville State got a team-high nine rebounds from Nyah Wilkins.
