AIKEN, S.C. -- Fayetteville State showed resilience and firepower on Saturday afternoon, earning a hard-fought 84-80 win over USC Aiken inside the Convocation Center. The victory pushed the Broncos to 4-2 on the season and marked a statement performance against a tough Peach Belt Conference opponent.
Travon Cooper led the charge with a game-high 23 points, attacking the rim with confidence and sparking key runs when the Broncos needed them most. Ezekiel Cannedy added 21 points, knocking down three triples and contributing across the board with five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Larry Howell delivered a double-double, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds to anchor Fayetteville State inside.
The game began with USC Aiken jumping out to a 25-18 lead midway through the first half, but Fayetteville State responded with a 7-0 run capped by a Cooper bucket to tie the score at 25. Despite the surge, the Broncos entered halftime trailing 39-36 after the Pacers regained momentum late in the period.
Fayetteville State flipped the script after the break. The Broncos opened the second half on an 11-0 run, fueled by aggressive drives and defensive stops, to seize a 47-39 advantage. Cooper's layup punctuated the stretch, and from there, Fayetteville State never relinquished control. USC Aiken clawed back to make it a one-possession game in the final minutes, but the Broncos held firm at the free-throw line and closed out the win.
Defense played a pivotal role in the outcome. Fayetteville State limited the Pacers to 36.4 percent shooting and dominated the paint with 11 blocks, including an eye-popping eight from Omari Byrd. The Broncos also forced 14 turnovers and converted them into 20 points, while attacking the glass for 10 offensive rebounds that led to second-chance opportunities.
In total, Fayetteville State scored 44 points in the paint and added 26 fast-break points, showcasing its ability to push tempo and finish at the rim. The win not only highlighted the Broncos' depth and defensive intensity but also their ability to respond under pressure on the road.
USC Aiken was led by Caleb Byrd, who poured in 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds. McCaskill Rivers added 13 points off the bench, while Jackson Roberts contributed nine points and eight boards. Jonah Lawrence chipped in seven points and a team-high 10 rebounds for the Pacers.
With the victory, Fayetteville State continues to build momentum heading into conference play. The Broncos will travel to Elizabeth City to face Elizabeth City State on Thursday, December 4, for their first CIAA matchup of the season. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
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