The two-time defending CIAA champion
Fayetteville State Broncos tip off the 2025-26 season at the PSAC-CIAA Challenge, facing host
Shippensburg on Friday and
Millersville on Saturday. Expectations are sky-high for a program picked
No. 1 in the CIAA preseason poll and aiming for a historic three-peat under head coach
Tyreece Brown, who has guided FSU to back-to-back titles and a Sweet 16 appearance in recent years.
Dates:
- Friday, Nov. 14 – at Shippensburg (7:00 PM)
- Saturday, Nov. 15 – vs. Millersville (5:00 PM)
Location: Heiges Field House, Shippensburg, PA
Preseason Outlook
- Predicted Finish: 1st in CIAA
- Preseason All-CIAA Selections:
Brown's philosophy centers on
defensive intensity and depth, and the Broncos return a core that has delivered 81 wins over four seasons. Last year, FSU finished 21-8 and captured its second straight CIAA crown.
Game 1: Fayetteville State at Shippensburg (Friday, 7 PM)
Shippensburg enters with a
young roster—11 of 14 players are freshmen or sophomores—and will lean on veteran forward
Makayla Foddrell and sophomore guard
Abbie Johns. Head coach
Kristy Trn, in her 27th season, brings experience to a rebuilding squad. Expect FSU's pressure defense to challenge SU's ball-handling early.
Key Matchup:
- Trotter's scoring vs. SU's youthful backcourt.
- Broncos' depth vs. Raiders' developing rotation.
Game 2: Fayetteville State vs. Millersville (Saturday, 5 PM)
Millersville, led by head coach
Mary Fleig, returns a balanced lineup and looks to improve on last season's mid-tier PSAC finish. The Marauders will rely on perimeter shooting and rebounding to counter FSU's athleticism
Key Matchup:
- O'Neal and Wilkins in the paint vs. Millersville's frontcourt.
- Transition game—FSU thrives on turnovers and fast breaks.
What to Watch
- Defensive Pressure: FSU forced 26 turnovers in last year's opener vs. Shippensburg and converted them into 26 points.
- Bench Impact: Broncos' depth could overwhelm opponents in back-to-back games.
- Championship Mentality: Brown emphasizes starting "as if we haven't accomplished anything"—expect intensity from the tip.
