COLLEGE PARK, GA, --Fayetteville State battled to the final possession but came up just short in its second game of the Chris Paul HBCU Classic, falling 75-72 to Clark Atlanta on Friday afternoon at The Gateway Center Arena in College Park. The loss dropped the Broncos to 6-6 overall and 1-2 in CIAA play, while the Panthers improved to 7-3 and 4-2 in the SIAC.
Travon Cooper led Fayetteville State with 17 points and two blocks, attacking the rim and providing energy on both ends. Larry Howell matched him with 17 points of his own and added six rebounds, while Romeo Aquino came off the bench to score 12 points and give the Broncos a lift inside. Terrell Williams pulled down a team-high eight rebounds, including four on the offensive glass, helping Fayetteville State collect 15 offensive boards that turned into 10 second-chance points. Defensively, the Broncos were disruptive, recording seven blocks, three of them from Omari Byrd, and holding Clark Atlanta to just 36.9 percent shooting from the field.
Clark Atlanta answered with scoring contributions across its lineup and sharp execution in the closing minutes. Jadyn Shider posted a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Kalen White added 13 points. Sam Kodi and Darnell Evans each chipped in 11, and Kharye Cayne contributed nine points and eight rebounds, anchoring the Panthers in the paint. Clark Atlanta's depth proved critical, as the Panthers got contributions from multiple players and finished with 17 points off turnovers.
The game was tight throughout, with Fayetteville State taking a 14-9 lead midway through the first half before Clark Atlanta rallied to tie things at 35-35 by halftime. The Broncos used their speed to score nine fast-break points in the opening period and later surged ahead 67-64 with just over six minutes remaining. Clark Atlanta responded with an 11-5 run to close the game, regaining control and holding off Fayetteville State's final push.
Despite the loss, Fayetteville State showed resilience and strong team play, scoring 40 points in the paint and sharing the ball effectively with assists on 67 percent of its made baskets. The Broncos forced 13 turnovers and stayed aggressive defensively, but Clark Atlanta's ability to finish late possessions and convert at the free-throw line proved decisive.
It was a showcase of grit and intensity at the Chris Paul HBCU Classic, with both teams trading leads 17 times and tying the score on 12 occasions. Fayetteville State will now head into the holiday break before returning home to Capel Arena, where they will host Virginia Union on Thursday, January 8 at 8 p.m. in a key CIAA matchup.
