CHARLOTTE, NC - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has named Fayetteville State men's basketball players, Ezekiel Cannedy and Omari Byrd, as the CIAA Week #3 Men's Basketball Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively.

Ezekiel Cannedy, a senior guard sports management major from Kings Mountain, NC, delivered back-to-back 20-point performances while showcasing versatility on both ends of the court. His ability to stretch the floor with eight three-pointers, dominate the glass with 16 total rebounds, and maintain an impressive .857 free-throw percentage highlights his all-around impact. His leadership and clutch shooting were pivotal in keeping Fayetteville State competitive throughout the week.

Game-by-Game Impact:

• vs. Coker (11/25): 19 points, 11 rebounds, 5 three-pointers, perfect from the line (2-2).
• at USC Aiken (11/29): 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 4-5 FT.

Omari Byrd, a senior center business administration major from Ypsilanti, MI, was a dominant force defensively, averaging 4.5 blocks per game and nearly a double-double in rebounds. His eight-block performance against USC Aiken showcased elite rim protection and changed the game's momentum. Byrd's ability to control the paint and limit second-chance opportunities makes him a powerhouse defensively for the Broncos.

Game-by-Game Impact:

• vs. Coker (11/25): 10 rebounds, 1 block, 2 assists, strong interior presence.
• at USC Aiken (11/29): 8 rebounds, 8 blocks, anchoring the defense and protecting the rim.

Thursday, December 4th, the men's team will travel to Elizabeth City, NC, to play Elizabeth City State in their first conference game of the season. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.