FAYETTEVILLE, NC --Fayetteville State delivered a commanding performance, securing an 85-63 victory over USC Beaufort. Despite the loss, USC Beaufort (8-3 overall), ranked 7th in the Southeast Region according to the December 31st D2CSC rankings, showcased some impressive individual performances. Fayetteville State (9-4 overall), ranked 9th in the Atlantic Region in the same rankings, demonstrated their strength and depth throughout the game.

Kenney Gains led USC Beaufort with 12 points, shooting 5-7 from the field and 2-4 from the free-throw line. He also contributed three rebounds and one assist in his 22 minutes on the court.

Caleb Simmons of Fayetteville State had an outstanding game, securing his fifth double-double of the season with 27 points and 12 rebounds. His performance was instrumental in leading the Broncos to victory. Coach Luke D'Alessio praised his team's effort, stating, "We played like we were a hungry team that wanted to win really bad. I told the team beforehand, don't let them out-work you. We also had a great bench effort today. I don't just put them in to get people rested, I put them in because I think they are going to help us build up a lead or come back from being down." Caleb Simmons shared his mindset, saying, "You never know how every game is going to go but like Coach Luke said, the one thing we can control is how hard that we play. That's something that we hang our hats on."

Fayetteville State started strong with a 7-0 run, setting the tone early. They maintained their lead throughout the first half, entering halftime with a 46-39 advantage. The Broncos' bench contributed significantly, adding 16 points in the first half alone. In the second half, Fayetteville State continued to dominate, extending their lead to 68-47 with a 12-0 run. They capitalized on USC Beaufort's turnovers, scoring 13 points off 11 turnovers in the period. The Broncos' defense held USC Beaufort to 38.3% shooting from the field and 27.6% from beyond the arc.

Caleb Simmons led the game with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Fayetteville State's bench scored 28 points, and the Broncos had a 40-37 edge on the boards. They forced 16 turnovers and collected 13 offensive rebounds.

The Broncos will be on a 3-game road trip up north starting this weekend. They will face Bowie State in Bowie, MD on January 4th at 4:00PM, followed by Lincoln (Pa) on January 6th at 7:30 PM before heading back south to Richmond, VA to face Virginia Union on January 9th at 7:30 PM.  Their next home game will be January 13th against Johnson C. Smith at 7:30 PM. Follow them on the road at fsubroncos.com/gameday