Game Preview: Fayetteville State Broncos vs. Winston-Salem State Rams Women's Basketball

Date: January 20, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: C. E. Gaines Center, Winston-Salem, NC
Gameday Links: fsubroncos.com/gameday

Fans are ready for an exciting encounter as the Fayetteville State Broncos take on the Winston-Salem State Rams in a highly anticipated match-up.

Fayetteville State Broncos
The Fayetteville State Broncos have had a strong season, currently holding a 10-6 overall record and a 5-2 mark in CIAA play. Their performance has been marked by balanced scoring and solid defense, making them a formidable opponent. Key players like Talia Trotter and Keayna McLaughlin have been pivotal in their success, contributing significantly in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. As they prepare to face the Winston-Salem State Rams, the Broncos will look to maintain their momentum and secure another victory.

Key Players to Watch:

• Talia Trotter (#30): Averaging 13.3 points per game, Trotter is a key offensive weapon for the Broncos. Her shooting accuracy (47.0% FG) and ability to contribute across the board make her a player to watch.
• Keayna McLaughlin (#15): With averages of 10.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, McLaughlin is a versatile player who can impact the game in multiple ways.
• Morgan Graham (#04): Leading the team in rebounds with 6.6 per game, Graham's presence in the paint is crucial for the Broncos' defense and second-chance opportunities.

Team Strengths:

• Balanced Scoring: The Broncos have multiple players who can score, making them difficult to defend.
• Rebounding: With players like Graham and McLaughlin, the Broncos are strong on the boards, both offensively and defensively.

 
Winston-Salem State Rams
The Winston-Salem State Rams have had a competitive season, with a 15-16 overall record and a 7-9 record in the CIAA. Despite some ups and downs, the Rams have shown resilience and determination. Players like Christiana McLean and La'Niya Simes have been standout performers, providing scoring and rebounding prowess. The Rams' ability to shoot from beyond the arc and their strong presence in the paint will be crucial as they aim to secure a victory against the Broncos. With a focus on improving their consistency, the Rams are ready to compete and showcase their potential.

Key Players to Watch:

• Christiana McLean (#12): Averages 1.1 offensive rebounds, 2.3 defensive rebounds, and 3.3 rebounds per game. Additionally, she averages 0.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.1 blocks, and scores 9.4 points per game. Christiana is a reliable scorer with a solid field goal percentage, contributing significantly on both ends of the court with her rebounding and defensive efforts. Her ability to score nearly 10 points per game makes her a key offensive player.
• La'Niya Simes (#11): Averages 3.4 offensive rebounds, 3.6 defensive rebounds, and 7.0 rebounds per game. She also averages 0.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and scores 7.1 points per game. La'Niya is a strong presence in the paint, providing the team with second-chance opportunities through her offensive rebounds. Despite a lower shooting percentage, her free throw accuracy is a valuable asset in close games.
• Jakaiya Mack (#13): Averages 0.8 offensive rebounds, 1.9 defensive rebounds, and 2.6 rebounds per game. Additionally, she averages 1.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.2 blocks, and scores 6.2 points per game. Jakaiya is a versatile player who contributes across multiple statistical categories. Her defensive skills are highlighted by her 2.0 steals per game, making her a key player in disrupting the opponent's offense. She also adds value with her assists and overall hustle on the court.

Team Strengths:

• Defensive Skills: Jakaiya Mack stands out with her defensive skills, averaging 2.0 steals per game. Her ability to disrupt the opponent's offense is crucial for the team's defensive strategy. Christiana McLean and La'Niya Simes also contribute defensively with their rebounding and steals.
• Versatility and Hustle: Jakaiya Mack's versatility is a significant asset. She contributes across multiple statistical categories, including assists, steals, and rebounds. Her hustle and ability to impact the game in various ways make her a valuable player on the court.

Team Statistics

Statistic	Fayetteville State Broncos	Winston-Salem State Rams
Record	10-6, 5-2 CIAA	15-16, 7-9 CIAA
Points Per Game	65.7	61.5
Rebounds Per Game	38.2	40.6
Assists Per Game	14.5	9.9
Turnovers Per Game	16.3	19.3
Steals Per Game	10.7	8.3
Blocks Per Game	4.1	1.6

 
Key Match-Ups

• Talia Trotter vs. Christiana McLean: This matchup will be crucial in determining the offensive flow for both teams. Christiana's ability to score and defend will be tested against Talia's scoring prowess and efficiency.
• Morgan Graham vs. Jakaiya Mack: This matchup will focus on defense and rebounding. Jakaiya's defensive skills and ability to generate steals will be key in limiting Morgan's impact in the paint and on the boards.

The atmosphere is sure to be electric as these two teams battle it out on the court, showcasing their skills and determination.