Game Preview: Fayetteville State vs. Johnson C. Smith Women's Basketball

Date: January 13, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Gameday Links: fsubroncos.com/gameday
Tickets: E-tix

Fayetteville State:
Fayetteville State's women's basketball team has been a formidable force this season, boasting a balanced attack and strong defensive capabilities. Led by standout players like Talia Trotter and Keayna McLaughlin, the team has shown resilience and versatility on the court. With a record of 8-6, Fayetteville State relies on its ability to control the boards and disrupt opponents' offenses. Their defensive power, highlighted by Morgan Graham's presence in the paint, makes them a tough team to beat. As they prepare to face Johnson C. Smith, Fayetteville State will look to leverage their strengths and continue their winning momentum.

Key Players

• Talia Trotter: Averaging 12.2 points per game, Trotter is a reliable scorer with a field goal percentage of 45.7%. She also contributes 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, making her a versatile player on both ends of the court.
• Keayna McLaughlin: McLaughlin adds 10.1 points per game and leads the team in assists with 3.0 per game. Her defensive skills are highlighted by her 2.2 steals per game.
• Morgan Graham: A dominant presence in the paint, Graham averages 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Her defensive efforts are crucial for the team's success.

Strengths:

• Balanced Scoring: Fayetteville State has multiple players who can contribute offensively, with Talia Trotter and Keayna McLaughlin leading the way. This balanced scoring makes it difficult for opponents to focus on shutting down a single player.
• Defensive Prowess: The team excels defensively, with players like Morgan Graham and Keayna McLaughlin contributing significantly in steals and blocks. Their ability to disrupt the opponent's offense is a key strength.
• Rebounding: Fayetteville State is strong on the boards, with Morgan Graham averaging 6.4 rebounds per game. This helps them control possession and limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents.

Johnson C. Smith:

Johnson C. Smith's women's basketball team has demonstrated impressive skill and determination this season. With a record of 7-5, they have relied heavily on the scoring prowess of Betsey Burnett and the rebounding strength of Desiree Smith. The team's ability to generate turnovers and create fast-break opportunities has been a key factor in their success. Despite some challenges with free-throw shooting and turnovers, Johnson C. Smith remains a competitive team with the potential to make a significant impact. As they gear up to face Fayetteville State, they will aim to capitalize on their strengths and secure a crucial victory.

Key Players

• Betsey Burnett: Leading the team with 15.3 points per game, Burnett is a key offensive player. She also contributes 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game, showcasing her all-around abilities.
• Desiree Smith: Smith is a force on the boards, averaging 7.5 rebounds per game. She also adds 9.5 points per game, making her a significant contributor on both ends.
• Kyshonna Brown: Brown provides depth with her 9.0 points per game and strong free-throw shooting at 81.5%. She also averages 4.0 rebounds per game.

Strengths:

• Top Scorer: Betsey Burnett is a standout player, leading the team with 15.3 points per game. Her scoring ability is a significant asset for Johnson C. Smith.
• Rebounding: Desiree Smith is a dominant force on the boards, averaging 7.5 rebounds per game. Her presence in the paint helps the team control the glass and limit second-chance points for their opponents.
• Steals: The team averages 9.8 steals per game, with players like Burnett and Tameia Shaw leading the way. Their ability to generate turnovers and create fast-break opportunities is a key strength.

Team Stats Comparison

Statistic	Fayetteville State	Johnson C. Smith
Record	8-6 (3-2)	3-9 (0-5)
Points Per Game (PPG)	64.9	58.8
Rebounds Per Game	37.4	34.0
Assists Per Game	14.3	8.8
Turnovers Per Game	16.9	19.9
Steals Per Game	10.7	10.3
Blocks Per Game	4.4	1.6

 
What to Expect
This match-up between Fayetteville State and Johnson C. Smith is set to be a competitive game, with both teams showcasing strong defensive capabilities and key players who can make a significant impact.