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

Date: January 4, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: A.C. Jordan Arena, Bowie, MD
Gameday Links: fsubroncos.com/gameday

The Fayetteville State Broncos are set to face off against the Bowie State Bulldogs in an exciting Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) matchup. Both teams have shown strong performances this season, making this game one to watch.

Fayetteville State Broncos
The Broncos come into this game with a mixed record, having secured some impressive wins but also facing tough losses. Key players to watch include their leading scorer and dynamic guard, who has been pivotal in their offensive strategies. Fayetteville State's defense will need to be at its best to contain Bowie State's scoring threats.

Potential Starters and Averages:

• Talia Trotter: A versatile guard, Trotter leads the team with an average of 12.8 points per game (PPG). She is known for her quick drives to the basket and ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Trotter also contributes 3.0 rebounds per game (RPG) and 2.8 assists per game (APG). In a key game against UNC Pembroke, she scored 20 points, leading her team to a narrow victory. Trotter averages 28.2 minutes per game (MPG) with a field goal percentage (FG%) of .452 and a three-point percentage (3PT%) of .296.
• Keayna McLaughlin: McLaughlin is a forward who brings a strong presence in the paint. Averaging 9.0 PPG and 5.2 RPG, she is a reliable scorer and a tenacious rebounder. Her defensive skills and ability to guard multiple positions make her a key player for the Broncos. She had a standout performance against Virginia State, where she recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. McLaughlin averages 26.3 MPG with a FG% of .436 and a 3PT% of .194.
• Morgan Graham: As a forward, Graham is a consistent performer with an average of 8.5 PPG and 6.3 RPG. She excels in securing offensive rebounds and providing second-chance points. Her efficiency in the paint and defensive prowess are crucial for Fayetteville State. Graham's 18-point, 12-rebound game against Augusta was instrumental in their win. She averages 21.7 MPG with a FG% of .573 and a 3PT% of .143.
• Nyah Wilkins: Wilkins, a forward, averages 6.8 PPG and 5.5 RPG. She is known for her hustle and energy on the court, often making key defensive plays and contributing to the team's rebounding efforts. Wilkins' ability to score in transition adds an extra dimension to the Broncos' offense. Her 14-point performance against Elizabeth City State showcased her scoring ability. Wilkins averages 19.4 MPG with a FG% of .337 and a 3PT% of .154.
• KaNyah O'Neal: O'Neal, a guard, averages 6.3 PPG and 2.6 RPG. She is a solid perimeter defender and can knock down shots from beyond the arc. O'Neal's quickness and agility make her a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive situations. She played a crucial role in the win against Barton, scoring 12 points and adding 4 steals. O'Neal averages 16.9 MPG with a FG% of .406 and a 3PT% of .143.

Bowie State Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have had a solid season so far, with a balanced attack and strong defensive play. Their home-court advantage at A.C. Jordan Arena could play a crucial role in this matchup. Look out for their standout forward, who has been a dominant force in the paint, and their sharp-shooting guard, who can change the game's momentum with her three-point shooting.

Potential Starters and Averages:

• Destiny Ryles: Ryles is a dynamic guard who leads the Bulldogs with an impressive 20.0 PPG. She also contributes 4.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, and 4.8 SPG. Her ability to score and create plays makes her a key player for Bowie State. Ryles' standout performance includes a 30-point game against Livingstone. She averages 29.2 MPG with a FG% of .391 and a 3PT% of .245.
• Mia Smith: Smith is a versatile guard, averaging 13.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 1.8 APG. She is known for her shooting accuracy, with a 3PT% of .315 and FT% of .886. Smith's ability to score from the perimeter and drive to the basket makes her a significant threat. She averages 29.5 MPG with a FG% of .394.
• Beulah Odiong: Odiong is a dominant forward, averaging 6.8 PPG and leading the team with 8.2 RPG. She is a force in the paint, both offensively and defensively, with a FG% of .494. Odiong's rebounding skills are crucial for the Bulldogs' success. She averages 27.5 MPG.
• Mayah Garner: Garner, a forward, averages 5.1 PPG and 2.8 RPG. She is known for her defensive efforts and ability to contribute on both ends of the court. Garner's presence in the paint adds depth to Bowie State's lineup. She averages 20.0 MPG with a FG% of .353.
• Kristin Sterling: Sterling, a forward, averages 3.5 PPG and 3.4 RPG. She is a reliable player off the bench, providing valuable minutes and contributing to the team's rebounding and defensive efforts. Sterling averages 15.2 MPG with a FG% of .333.

Team Statistics Comparison

Statistic	Fayetteville State	Bowie State
Record	7-5 Overall, 2-1 CIAA	10-4 Overall, 4-0 CIAA
Points Per Game (PPG)	64.3	69.1
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)	38.4	39.4
Assists Per Game (APG)	13.6	11.6
Turnovers Per Game (TO)	17.0	16.3
Steals Per Game (SPG)	10.2	12.9
Blocks Per Game (BPG)	4.6	3.4

Key Matchup
The battle in the paint between Fayetteville State's forwards and Bowie State's dominant post players 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. Fayetteville State's forwards, known for their aggressive rebounding and defensive capabilities, will need to contain Bowie State's post players, who excel at scoring in the paint and securing offensive rebounds.

Player Matchups to Watch:

• Talia Trotter (Fayetteville State) vs. Destiny Ryles (Bowie State): Trotter's scoring ability and quick drives to the basket will be tested against Ryles' defensive prowess and scoring efficiency.
• Keayna McLaughlin (Fayetteville State) vs. Mia Smith (Bowie State): McLaughlin's rebounding and defensive skills will be crucial in countering Smith's inside scoring and rebounding.
• Morgan Graham (Fayetteville State) vs. Beulah Odiong (Bowie State): Graham's ability to secure offensive rebounds and provide second-chance points will be key against Odiong's defensive presence in the paint.

Notable Wins

• Fayetteville State: Notable wins include a victory over Augusta, where they won 82-75, and a close game against UNC Pembroke, winning 72-67.
• Bowie State: The Bulldogs have had significant wins, including a 71-61 victory over Livingstone, where Destiny Ryles scored 30 points, and a strong performance against Palm Beach Atlantic.

What to Expect
Fans can expect a highly competitive game with both teams eager to improve their standings in the CIAA.