Game Preview: Fayetteville State vs. Claflin Men's Basketball

Date: January 25, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Tullis Arena, Orangeburg SC
Tickets: Claflin tickets
Broadcast Link: HBCU GO TV

Fayetteville State Broncos
The Fayetteville State Broncos have had a strong season, marked by their efficient free-throw shooting and solid rebounding. Their overall record of 11-6 and an impressive 8-2 in conference play highlight their competitive edge. The Broncos have shown resilience on the road with a 6-4 away record and remain undefeated in divisional play. Their defense has been a cornerstone, allowing just 67.9 points per game, which has been crucial in securing key victories. The team's ability to pressure opponents and create scoring opportunities off turnovers has been a significant factor in their success. The Broncos' balanced attack and strong defensive presence make them a formidable opponent.
Key Players

• Caleb Simmons is a dominant force on the court, leading the team with 18.2 points per game. He is also a strong rebounder, averaging 9.5 rebounds per game, and contributes defensively with 1.7 steals per game.
• Tairell Fletcher is another key scorer, averaging 17.5 points per game.  Fletcher also plays a significant role in playmaking, leading the team with 4.5 assists per game.
• Ezekiel Cannedy provides consistent scoring with 15.9 points per game. He is a solid free-throw shooter, boasting an 89.8% success rate. Cannedy also contributes with 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, along with 0.9 steals, adding value on both ends of the court.
• Myles Pierre offers efficient scoring with an averages 7.8 points per game, 2.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. Pierre also adds defensive support with 0.9 steals per game.

Strengths
The Broncos' greatest strength is their efficient free-throw shooting,and their reboudning which outpaces their opponent.
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Claflin University Panthers
The Claflin Panthers have showcased their scoring efficiency and three-point shooting throughout the season. With an overall record of 9-8, the Panthers have been strong at home with a 4-1 record. Their ability to score efficiently, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a highlight, with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.6%. The Panthers' offensive prowess is evident in their 79.1 points per game, outpacing many of their opponents. Despite some struggles in conference play, their solid shooting and playmaking abilities have kept them competitive. The Panthers' strengths lie in their scoring efficiency and ability to stretch defenses with their three-point shooting.
Key Players:

• John Whitehead III stands out as a reliable scorer, averaging 15.2 points per game. His shooting efficiency is notable, especially from beyond the arc, with a 40.5% three-point success rate. Additionally, he contributes on the boards with 4.1 rebounds per game.
• Gregory Spurlock excels in shooting efficiency, boasting a 45.2% field goal percentage and an impressive 86.4% from the free-throw line. His playmaking skills are evident with 2.4 assists per game, and he is active on defense, averaging 1.1 steals per game.
• Jailen Williams showcases versatility, contributing across the board with points, assists, and rebounds. He leads the team in assists with 2.7 per game and adds value on defense with 0.9 steals per game.
• Zion Obanla is a strong presence on the boards, averaging 6.7 rebounds per game. His high field goal percentage of 53.3% highlights his efficiency, and he is an effective scorer inside the paint.

Strengths:
Claflin's greatest strength lies in their scoring efficiency and three-point shooting, which consistently outpaces their opponents.
Statistical Comparison

Statistic	Fayetteville State Broncos	Claflin Panthers
Record	12-6, 5-3 CIAA	11-7, 5-3 CIAA
Points Per Game (PPG)	73.6	79.1
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)	34.8	34.0
Assists Per Game (APG)	10.4	13.2
Turnovers Per Game (TO/G)	11.7	11.6
Steals Per Game (STL/G)	6.6	7.9
Blocks Per Game (BLK/G)	3.3	1.7

 
Key Takeaways

• Defensive Strength: Fayetteville State's strong defense, allowing just 62.8 points per game, will be crucial in limiting Claflin's efficient scoring1.
• Three-Point Battle: Both teams are proficient from beyond the arc, with Claflin averaging 10.1 three-pointers per game and Fayetteville State making 6.7 per game2. The team that excels in three-point shooting could gain a significant advantage.
• Rebounding Edge: Fayetteville State has a slight rebounding advantage, averaging 34.8 rebounds per game compared to Claflin's 34.02. Winning the battle on the boards could be a deciding factor.

Key Match-ups to Watch
Caleb Simmons (Fayetteville State) vs. John Whitehead III (Claflin)
Overview: Both players are leading scorers for their teams, with Simmons averaging 18.2 points per game and Whitehead III averaging 15.2 points per game. Their scoring abilities and defensive efforts against each other will be crucial.
Tairell Fletcher (Fayetteville State) vs. Gregory Spurlock (Claflin)
Overview: Fletcher, who averages 17.5 points and 4.5 assists per game, will be up against Spurlock, who contributes 11.0 points and 2.4 assists per game. Their playmaking and scoring will be pivotal in the backcourt.
Ezekiel Cannedy (Fayetteville State) vs. Jailen Williams (Claflin)
Overview: Cannedy, with 15.9 points per game, and Williams, with 10.5 points per game, will be key players to watch in terms of perimeter shooting and overall offensive contributions.

The upcoming match-up between the Fayetteville State Broncos and the Claflin Panthers promises to be an exciting and competitive game.