GAME PREVIEW: Fayetteville State at Virginia State
Date: Thursday, December 11
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: VSU Multipurpose Center – Petersburg, VA
Broadcast: Virginia State Sports Network
Live Stats: VSU Live Stats
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Matchup Overview
Fayetteville State (7-1, 1-0 CIAA) hits the road to face Virginia State (5-2) in the Trojans'
first conference game of the season. Both teams enter with momentum and strong defensive identities, setting up a pivotal early-season CIAA matchup.
Fayetteville State Broncos
The Broncos are off to a hot start, averaging
65.1 points per game while holding opponents to
52.9 points. FSU thrives on pressure defense, forcing nearly
20 turnovers per game and ranking among the CIAA leaders in steals (11.0) and blocks (7.0).
Top Players:
- KaNyah O'Neal (13.0 PPG, .506 FG%, .444 3PT) – Versatile scorer and floor leader.
- Talia Trotter (8.4 PPG, 47 assists) – Primary playmaker and facilitator.
- Kelis Carmon (6.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG) – Reliable rebounder and perimeter threat.
- Amirah Allen (4.8 RPG, 11 blocks) – Defensive anchor in the paint.
Virginia State Trojans
VSU enters at
5-2 overall, averaging
62.7 points per game and excelling at getting to the free-throw line (
15.3 FT per game). The Trojans are physical on the boards and aggressive defensively, forcing
15 turnovers per game and averaging
10.6 steals.
Top Players:
- Michaela Lane (11.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG) – Dominant inside presence and leading scorer.
- Sydney Roberts (11.7 PPG, .473 FG%) – Efficient scorer and strong free-throw shooter (.824).
- Kendahl Spearman (9.1 PPG) – Athletic guard who attacks the rim.
- Skylar White (7.5 PPG, 6 made threes) – Perimeter shooter who can stretch the defense.
What to Watch For
- Battle on the Glass: FSU averages 41 rebounds per game, while VSU pulls down 36.1. Second-chance points could decide the game.
- Turnover Margin: Broncos force 19.9 turnovers per game, but VSU also pressures opponents with 10.6 steals per game. Ball security will be critical.
- Three-Point Shooting: FSU averages 7 made threes per game, compared to VSU's 3.1. Perimeter scoring could tilt the matchup.
- Free-Throw Advantage: VSU gets to the line more often (15.3 attempts per game) and shoots nearly 70%. FSU must defend without fouling.
Key Takeaways
- FSU's Depth vs. VSU's Physicality: The Broncos have multiple scoring options and elite rim protection, while the Trojans rely on toughness and rebounding.
- Early CIAA Statement Game: A win for FSU strengthens their position as a top contender; VSU looks to start conference play with a statement victory at home.
- Defensive Chess Match: Both teams rank among the CIAA leaders in steals and blocks, making this a game where defense could dictate tempo.
