GAME PREVIEW - Fayetteville State at Bluefield State

Date: December 15
Location: Bluefield, WV

Monday's Fayetteville State (5-4, 1-1 CIAA) vs. Bluefield State (2-8, 1-1 CIAA) matchup is no longer just a conference game — it's a collision of two programs whose histories, rosters, and coaching identities have become deeply intertwined. What began as a competitive regional rivalry has evolved into one of the most compelling storylines in Division II basketball.

Across two decades of competition, Fayetteville State has held the upper hand in the series, especially at home, where the Broncos have never lost to Bluefield State. The Big Blues have chipped away at that gap in recent years, including a momentum‑shifting win in early 2025, but the Broncos still maintain the overall advantage.

This year's meeting, however, is shaped less by the past and more by the new era both programs are entering.

The offseason delivered one of the most compelling twists in college basketball:

• Devin Hoehn, the architect of Bluefield State's rise — including a 19‑win season, a CIAA Championship Game appearance, and the league's top‑scoring offense — is now the Head Coach at Fayetteville State.

• Luke D'Alessio, the championship‑winning leader who built Fayetteville State into one of the CIAA's most disciplined defensive programs, is now the Head Coach at Bluefield State, taking over the Big Blues in May 2025.

This wasn't just a coaching change. It was a philosophical trade.

Hoehn brings pace, spacing, and offensive creativity to Fayetteville State — the very system that made Bluefield State one of the region's most exciting teams. D'Alessio brings structure, discipline, and championship pedigree to Bluefield State — the very identity that defined Fayetteville State's success under his leadership.

Both programs now run systems built by the other's coach.

The coaching exchange wasn't the only shift. The rosters themselves now reflect the crossover between the programs.

Players who moved from Bluefield State to Fayetteville State

According to the 2025‑26 FSU roster, several Broncos previously played for Bluefield State, including:

• Larry Howell – Senior G/F

• Terrell Williams – Senior G

• Travon Cooper II – Junior G/F

• Romeo Aquino – Senior F

• Darius Boben – Senior G

These players now reunite with Coach Hoehn — the coach who originally recruited and developed many of them at Bluefield State.

Players who moved from Fayetteville State to Bluefield State

Bluefield State's roster confirms multiple former Broncos now wearing Big Blue uniforms:

• Anthony Latty – Graduate C

• Jayden Beloti – Senior G/F

• Myles Pierre – Senior PG/SG

These players now compete under Coach D'Alessio — the coach who once led them at Fayetteville State.

Bluefield State also added talent from across the CIAA

The Big Blues' roster includes transfers from:

• Bowie State (Warren Mouganda)

• Elizabeth City State (Amare Haynie, MJ Crump)

• Virginia State (Pharaoh Lassiter)

• Virginia Union (Anthony Davenport)

• Livingstone College (Sila Tako)

Bluefield State didn't just replace talent — they reloaded with experience from across the conference.

Why This Game Feels Personal

This matchup is layered with emotional and strategic tension:

• Players on both sides will face former teammates.

• Coaches will face players they once recruited and developed.

• Both rosters include players who switched sides in the rivalry.

It's rare for a college basketball game to feel this much like a reunion and a reckoning at the same time.

Two programs that swapped coaches, swapped players, and reshaped their identities collide in a rivalry where familiarity becomes fire.

Broncos Powered by Elite Scoring Duo

Fayetteville State enters the week averaging 83.7 points per game, led by one of the top one‑two scoring punches in NCAA Division II so far.

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.

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.

Aquino anchors the interior defensively while giving FSU a dependable, efficient third scoring option at 47.2% from the field.

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.

Pierre is the Big Blue's top scorer and a dangerous perimeter shooter at 41.5% from three, capable of catching fire quickly.

Preddy commands the offense with significant minutes, averaging 32.4 per game while contributing steady scoring and playmaking.

Davenport offers a versatile inside‑out game while knocking down threes at a 40% clip.

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

• 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.

• 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.