GAME PREVIEW- Fayetteville State at Bluefield State
Date: December 15
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Ned E. Shott Gymnasium, Bluefield, WV
Broadcast: Bluefield Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Fayetteville State (7–2, 1–1 CIAA) hits the road for a non-conference matchup on Sunday evening, taking on a fast‑paced Bluefield State squad (5–4, 1–1 CIAA) that ranks among the nation's most aggressive defensive teams. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. in Bluefield, West Virginia.
Broncos Look to Extend Momentum
Fayetteville State enters the contest owning one of the CIAA's top scoring margins (+9.9) and a defense that has held opponents to just 31.7% shooting through nine games.
The Broncos' balanced lineup continues to lean on efficiency, ball movement, and disruptive defense:
- KaNyah O'Neal leads FSU with 12.3 points per game, shooting an impressive 44.6% from the field and 42.9% from three.
- Talia Trotter adds 8.3 points, along with team highs of 51 assists and 15 steals, steering an offense that averages 15 assists per game.
- Kelis Carmon (6.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Amirah Allen (4.3 rpg) continue to anchor the glass as FSU maintains a strong +0.9 rebounding margin.
Defensively, FSU produces 11.2 steals and 6.6 blocks per game, turning defense into offense with 19.6 points off turnovers.
The Broncos' depth remains a key advantage, with eight players averaging at least 20 minutes or more than five points per game.
About Bluefield State
The Big Blue enter at 5–4, averaging an explosive 77.8 points per game, one of the highest marks among Division II independents. Their relentless pressure defense forces 23.8 turnovers per game and converts them into a stunning 35.3 points off turnovers.
Bluefield State features three double‑figure scorers:
- Jasmine Jenkins leads with 13.9 points and 4.3 rebounds, while also creating havoc with 29 steals.
- Azahreya Drayton‑Gill is extremely efficient in the paint, averaging 11.4 points and 7.0 rebounds on 48.6% shooting.
- Leniyah Fulsom adds 10.1 points, drawing frequent fouls and shooting 80.6% at the line.
Bluefield excels in pace and pressure, but also averages 23.8 turnovers per game, something that could play directly into FSU's defensive strengths.
Matchup Breakdown
Fayetteville State Keys to Victory
- Control tempo: Slowing Bluefield's transition game could take away their biggest strength.
- Protect the ball: Bluefield thrives on turnovers; limiting giveaways neutralizes their scoring spurts.
- Win on the glass: Both teams rebound around 41 per game—whoever controls the boards gains a major edge.
Bluefield State Keys to Victory
- Speed up the game: More possessions favor the Big Blue's high‑scoring style.
- Pressure guards: Forcing FSU into turnovers is essential to create separation.
- Finish at the line: Bluefield shoots 70.8% at the stripe and gets there often (17 attempts per game).
What to Watch
- Guard matchup: Trotter and O'Neal vs. Jenkins and Gist will be a focal point.
- Turnover battle: FSU averages 17.3, Bluefield forces nearly 20 steals per game.
- Bench impact: With the Broncos' depth and Bluefield's foul rate, bench production could swing the game.
The Bottom Line
Monday's matchup pairs Fayetteville State's defensive discipline and balanced attack against Bluefield State's frenetic pace and turnover‑creating pressure. If the Broncos can dictate the pace and value each possession, they'll be in strong position to secure their eighth win of the season.
