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

Date: January 4, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: A.C. Jordan Arena, Bowie, MD
Gameday Links: fsubroncos.com/gameday

The Fayetteville State Broncos are gearing up to face the Bowie State Bulldogs in a much-anticipated Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) men's basketball showdown. With both teams delivering impressive performances this season, this game promises to be a must-see for basketball enthusiasts.

Fayetteville State Broncos
The Broncos come into this game with a solid record, bolstered by standout performances from their key players. They will be looking to leverage their strengths and secure a crucial win on the road.

Key Players and Averages:

• Caleb Simmons: 19.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.5 SPG

            Caleb Simmons brings a lot to the game for Fayetteville State. Here are some key aspects of his contributions based on his 2024-25 season statistics:
            Scoring Ability   

• Points: Simmons is a prolific scorer, averaging 19.2 points per game (PPG). He has a season-high of 34 points, achieved against USC Aiken on November 26, 2024.
• Field Goals: He is efficient from the field, shooting 51.3% (81-158) overall. He also has a solid three-point shooting percentage of 40.0% (14-35).
• Free Throws: Simmons is reliable from the free-throw line, shooting 84.1% (74-88).            

        Rebounding

• Rebounds: Simmons is a strong rebounder, averaging 9.3 rebounds per game (RPG). He has a season-high of 15 rebounds, also against USC Aiken.

        Key Performances

• USC Aiken (Nov 26, 2024): Scored 34 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and made 5 three-pointers.
• Virginia Union (Dec 7, 2024): Scored 30 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and made 4 three-pointers.
• USC Beaufort (Jan 2, 2025): Scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

        Simmons' ability to score efficiently, rebound effectively, and contribute defensively makes him a crucial player for Fayetteville State. His consistent performances and versatility on the court are key factors in the team's success.

• Ezekiel Cannedy: 16.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 SPG.

            Ezekiel Cannedy brings a dynamic presence to the game for Fayetteville State. His ability to score from the perimeter and drive to the basket adds depth to the Broncos' offense. Here are some key aspects of his contributions based on his 2024-25 season statistics:
        Scoring Ability

• Points: Cannedy is a reliable scorer, averaging 16.5 points per game (PPG). He has a season-high of 29 points, achieved against Bluefield State on December 21, 2024.
• Field Goals: He has made 67 field goals out of 193 attempts, shooting 34.7% from the field.
• Three-Point Shooting: Cannedy is a threat from beyond the arc, making 34 three-pointers out of 115 attempts, with a three-point shooting percentage of 29.6%. He had a standout performance against Virginia Union, making 5 three-pointers.
• Free Throws: He is highly efficient from the free-throw line, shooting 92.0% (46-50). His ability to draw fouls and convert free throws is a significant asset.

        Key Performances

• Bluefield State (Dec 21, 2024): Scored 29 points, made 9 field goals, and played 40 minutes.
• Virginia Union (Dec 7, 2024): Scored 18 points, made 5 three-pointers, and grabbed 7 rebounds.
• UNC Pembroke (Nov 13, 2024): Scored 20 points, made 8 free throws, and grabbed 4 rebounds.

        Cannedy's scoring ability, especially from the perimeter, combined with his consistency and versatility, make him a crucial player for Fayetteville State. His ability to play significant minutes and contribute in various aspects of the game enhances the team's overall performance.
 

• Tairell Fletcher: 16.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.5 APG

        Tairell Fletcher brings a well-rounded game to the Fayetteville State team. Here are some key aspects of his contributions based on his 2024-25 season statistics:
        Scoring Ability

• Points: Fletcher is a consistent scorer, averaging 16.8 points per game (PPG). He has a season-high of 24 points, achieved against Lock Haven on November 8, 2024.
• Field Goals: He is efficient from the field, shooting 44.8% (81-181). He also has a solid three-point shooting percentage of 31.8% (7-22).
• Free Throws: Fletcher is reliable from the free-throw line, shooting 82.1% (32-39).

        Rebounding and Defense

• Rebounds: Fletcher contributes on the boards, averaging 2.8 rebounds per game (RPG), with a season-high of 6 rebounds against Lock Haven.
• Steals and Blocks: He also adds value defensively with 1.3 steals per game (SPG) and has recorded a block in a game against Virginia State.

        Key Performances

• Lock Haven (Nov 8, 2024): Scored 24 points, made 4 three-pointers, and grabbed 6 rebounds.
• Clarion (Nov 9, 2024): Scored 23 points, made 11 field goals, and played 36 minutes.
• USC Aiken (Nov 26, 2024): Scored 20 points, made 8 free throws, and recorded 8 assists.

        Fletcher's ability to score efficiently, create plays for his teammates, and contribute defensively makes him a crucial player for Fayetteville State. His versatility and consistency on the court enhance the team's overall performance.

• Myles Pierre: Pierre contributes 8.4 PPG and 2.1 RPG, with a FG% of .500 and a 3PT% of .406. His shooting accuracy and ability to score in key moments make him a valuable asset for Fayetteville State.
• Javon Floyd: Floyd averages 5.5 PPG and 4.4 RPG, with a FG% of .561. His presence in the paint and defensive capabilities are essential for the Broncos' success.

Bowie State Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have had a strong season, with balanced contributions from their key players. Their home-court advantage at A.C. Jordan Arena could play a significant role in this matchup.

Key Players and Averages:

• Warren Mouganda: Mouganda leads the Bulldogs with 14.1 PPG and contributes 2.5 RPG. He is an efficient scorer, with a FG% of .491 and a 3PT% of .487. Mouganda's ability to score from beyond the arc makes him a significant threat.
• Caleb Johnson: Johnson is a versatile player, averaging 11.5 PPG and 5.1 RPG. He also leads the team in assists with 4.1 APG. Johnson's playmaking skills and defensive efforts, with 1.9 SPG, are crucial for Bowie State.
• Joel Webb: Webb is a dominant force in the paint, averaging 10.0 PPG and 6.4 RPG. His FG% of .620 highlights his efficiency around the basket. Webb's rebounding skills are vital for the Bulldogs' success.
• Mark Bradshaw: Bradshaw contributes 10.8 PPG and 2.8 RPG, with a FG% of .381. His ability to score and create plays adds depth to the Bulldogs' offense.
• Kyree Freeman-Davis: Freeman-Davis averages 10.1 PPG and 1.1 RPG, with a 3PT% of .362. His scoring ability and defensive efforts make him a key player for Bowie State.

Team Statistics Comparison

Statistic	Fayetteville State	Bowie State
Record	9-4 Overall, 2-1 CIAA	7-7 Overall, 0-3 CIAA
Week 6 - DII D2CSC Atlantic Region Ranking	9	10
Points Per Game (PPG)	74.8	68.1
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)	34.0	34.4
Assists Per Game (APG)	9.8	13.4
Turnovers Per Game (TO)	11.2	16.2
Steals Per Game (SPG)	6.9	8.5
Blocks Per Game (BPG)	3.1	3.0

Key Matchup
The battle between Fayetteville State's Caleb Simmons and Bowie State's Joel Webb in the paint will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this game. Rebounding and second-chance points could tip the scales in favor of either team. Simmons' scoring and rebounding prowess will be tested against Webb's defensive presence and efficiency around the basket.

Player Matchups to Watch:

• Caleb Simmons (Fayetteville State) vs. Joel Webb (Bowie State): Simmons' scoring and rebounding abilities will be crucial against Webb's defensive skills and efficiency in the paint.
• Ezekiel Cannedy (Fayetteville State) vs. Warren Mouganda (Bowie State): Cannedy's perimeter shooting and scoring versatility will be tested against Mouganda's three-point shooting and offensive efficiency.
• Tairell Fletcher (Fayetteville State) vs. Caleb Johnson (Bowie State): Fletcher's playmaking and scoring will be key against Johnson's defensive efforts and assist capabilities.

What to Expect
Fans can expect a highly competitive game with both teams eager to improve their standings in the CIAA. The intensity on the court will be matched by the energy from the crowd, making for an electrifying atmosphere. Don't miss this thrilling encounter between two talented teams as they vie for victory in what promises to be a memorable game!