PETERSBURG, VA --Fayetteville State men's basketball battled wire-to-wire in a thriller at the Multipurpose Center but came up just short, falling 79-77 to Virginia State on Thursday night. The loss drops the Broncos to 5-4 overall and 1-1 in CIAA play, while the Trojans improve to 5-5 and 1-0 in the conference.

Larry Howell delivered a dominant performance for Fayetteville State, scoring a game-high 26 points to go along with seven rebounds and four steals. Ezekiel Cannedy added 15 points, and Romeo Aquino chipped in 12 points, two steals, and two blocks. The Broncos forced 16 Virginia State turnovers, converting them into 21 points, and held the Trojans to 38.8 percent shooting from the field.

Virginia State was led by Jacob Cooper, who scored 22 points and dished out four assists. Jared Clawson added 16 points, including two key three-pointers in the second half, while Kiara Beal came off the bench to score 14 points and grab six rebounds. Davian Coleman controlled the glass with a game-high 13 rebounds.

The game featured 18 ties and 10 lead changes, with neither team able to pull away early. Fayetteville State trailed 5-0 out of the gate but responded with a 7-0 run to take its first lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the first half, entering the break tied at 30-30. The Broncos dominated the paint in the opening period, scoring 16 of their 30 points inside.

In the second half, Virginia State grabbed a 61-60 lead before Fayetteville State answered with a 9-0 run, capped by a Kenneth Brayboy layup, to go up 69-61 with 3:53 remaining. But the Trojans stormed back, outscoring the Broncos 18-8 down the stretch to seal the win. Clawson's free throws and Cooper's late basket proved decisive as Virginia State escaped with the two-point victory.

Fayetteville State shot 40 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free-throw line, while Virginia State finished at 38.8 percent and converted 22-of-29 from the stripe. The Broncos won the turnover battle but were edged on the boards 42-33.

The Broncos will look to bounce back when they travel to Bluefield State on Monday, December 15. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m., following the women's game at 5:30 p.m. Fans can follow the action on social media and watch live at FSUBroncos.com/gameday.