GAME PREVIEW - Fayetteville State at Bluefield State
Date: December 15
Location: Bluefield, WV
Broadcast:
Bluefield Sports Network
Live Stats:
Live Stats
Fayetteville State (5–4, 1–1 CIAA) heads to Bluefield, West Virginia, on Sunday for a conference matchup with Bluefield State (2–8, 1–1 CIAA). The Broncos look to build on one of the league's most explosive offensive duos, while the Big Blue counter with a deep rotation and improved balance across the board.
Broncos Powered by Elite Scoring Duo
Fayetteville State enters the weekend averaging 83.7 points per game, led by one of the top one‑two scoring punches in NCAA Division II so far.
Larry Howell — 21.1 PPG | 7.3 RPG | 88.8% FT
Howell has been dominant, leading FSU in scoring and rebounding while shooting efficiently inside and getting to the line at a high rate. His 71 made free throws top the team by a wide margin.
Ezekiel Cannedy — 20.0 PPG | 33 Made 3s
Cannedy provides instant perimeter firepower, ranking among the CIAA's top long‑range shooters at 37.1% from deep. His spacing is crucial to the Broncos' offensive attack.
Romeo Aquino — 13.8 PPG | 6.1 RPG | Team‑High 14 Blocks
Aquino anchors the interior defensively while giving FSU a dependable, efficient third scoring option at 47.2% from the field.
Travon Cooper II — 9.8 PPG | 3.1 RPG | High‑Activity Defender
Cooper brings energy on both ends, leading the Broncos with 35 assists and providing strong defensive versatility with 11 steals and nine blocks.
FSU remains statistically strong offensively but will look to clean up two areas: rebounding (‑6.3 margin) and turnover consistency. Still, the Broncos average nearly 24 free‑throw makes per game, giving them the ability to control late‑game possessions.
Bluefield State Leaning on Balanced Scoring Core
Bluefield State enters at 2–8 overall, but with several weapons capable of impacting the game, led by a top guard trio and a frontcourt presence who cleans the glass at an elite rate.
Myles Pierre — 16.4 PPG | 27 Made 3s | 33.3 MPG
Pierre is the Big Blue's top scorer and a dangerous perimeter shooter at 41.5% from three, capable of catching fire quickly.
Ellija Preddy — 11.2 PPG | High‑Usage Ballhandler
Preddy commands the offense with significant minutes, averaging 32.4 per game while contributing steady scoring and playmaking.
Anthony Davenport — 11.1 PPG | 12 Made 3s | 4.7 RPG
Davenport offers a versatile inside‑out game while knocking down threes at a 40% clip.
Anthony Latty — 5.6 PPG | 7.9 RPG | 61.1% FG
Latty is the Big Blue's top rebounder by a wide margin, grabbing nearly 8 boards per game and shooting over 61% from the floor.
Bluefield State averages 65.1 points per game but holds a +3.2 rebounding margin, something that could challenge the Broncos' interior depth. Turnover control has been solid, with just 12.6 giveaways per game.
Matchup Breakdown
Key for Fayetteville State
- Control the boards: FSU faces a strong rebounding team, and limiting Bluefield State's second‑chance looks will be crucial.
- Keep Howell and Cannedy rolling: The duo accounts for almost 50% of the team's scoring; their efficiency sets the tone.
- Defend the arc: Bluefield State shoots 33.5% from three, with Pierre and Davenport capable of swing‑momentum shots.
Key for Bluefield State
- Slow the pace: FSU averages nearly 84 points; forcing long possessions and physical half‑court defense gives the Big Blue their best chance.
- Win the rebounding battle again: With FSU at ‑6.3 on the glass, Latty and the Bluefield frontcourt could create an advantage.
- Limit free throws: The Broncos average an enormous 24 made free throws per game — a number Bluefield State must keep down.
What to Watch
- Clash of styles: FSU plays faster and scores more; Bluefield State plays more methodically with an emphasis on rebounding and half‑court sets.
- Perimeter duel: Cannedy vs. Pierre highlights two top‑tier shooters.
- Frontcourt battle: Aquino/Howell vs. Latty/Davenport will dictate spacing and physicality inside.
Bottom Line
Fayetteville State brings superior firepower, but Bluefield State's rebounding strength and balanced scoring give them enough tools to push the Broncos if the pace slows. Expect a contrast of tempo, with FSU's star scorers aiming to take control early while the Big Blue tries to grind it out at home.
