SHIPPENSBURG, PA -- Fayetteville State women's basketball showcased resilience and composure on Saturday, storming back from a seven-point deficit in the final quarter to defeat Millersville 64-62 in the CIAA/PSAC Challenge at Heiges Field House. The victory capped a perfect weekend for the Broncos, who improved to 2-0, while Millersville dropped to 1-1. Fayetteville State also left Pennsylvania with individual accolades as Talia Trotter earned Tournament MVP honors and KaNyah O'Neal was named to the All-Tournament Team.
The Broncos trailed 51-44 entering the fourth quarter, but their response was emphatic. Fayetteville State unleashed a decisive 9-0 run late in the period, highlighted by O'Neal's driving layup that pushed the lead to 67-56 with just over a minute remaining. Millersville mounted a furious rally in the closing seconds, but the Broncos held firm to secure the two-point win.
O'Neal delivered a stat-stuffing performance with 17 points, six rebounds, four assists, and five steals, while Kelis Carmon matched her with 17 points and added nine boards. Trotter, the tournament's most valuable player, was the engine of the offense, scoring 13 points and dishing out eight assists to go along with two steals.
Millersville was led by Bryn Zentner, who posted a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Aniya Eberhart, who came off the bench to score 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including four three-pointers.
The game was a rollercoaster from the opening tip. Fayetteville State fell behind 7-0 early before clawing back to take a 12-11 lead after the first quarter, fueled by points off turnovers. The Broncos stretched their advantage to 32-24 midway through the second period after Trotter buried a three-pointer, but Millersville closed the half on a surge to reclaim a 31-27 lead at the break.
The Marauders extended their cushion in the third quarter, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to build a 51-44 edge. That set the stage for Fayetteville State's dramatic finish. The Broncos caught fire from beyond the arc in the final frame, knocking down four triples and outscoring Millersville 20-11. Their defensive pressure also proved decisive, forcing three turnovers that led to six critical points during the comeback.
Fayetteville State's success was rooted in balance and hustle. The Broncos shared the ball effectively, recording 15 assists on 22 made field goals, and dominated the offensive glass with 18 rebounds.
Defensively, they held Millersville to 34.9 percent shooting and swatted away five shots, with Taleah Stephens contributing two blocks.
Fayetteville State will look to keep its unbeaten streak alive when it hosts UNC Pembroke at Capel Arena on Wednesday, November 19 at 6 p.m.
