ELIZABETH CITY, NC -- Fayetteville State women's basketball opened CIAA play with a dominant defensive performance Thursday night, rolling past Elizabeth City State 60-31 at the R.L. Vaughan Center. The win improved the Broncos to 6-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while the Vikings fell to 2-4 and 0-1 in the CIAA.

Fayetteville State's defense was relentless, holding Elizabeth City State to just 22.4 percent shooting from the field and 19 percent from beyond the arc on 21 attempts. The Vikings managed only four points in the paint and were shut out in second-chance scoring despite six offensive rebounds. The Broncos controlled the glass with a 36-30 edge, including 10 offensive boards that led to nine second-chance points.

Amirah Allen anchored the defensive effort with 10 rebounds, three blocks, and four points, while Amina Miles added four points, three steals, and three blocks off the bench. KaNyah O'Neal led the scoring attack with 13 points, including three three-pointers that fueled key runs. Fayetteville State's bench was a major factor, contributing 28 points to the scoring column.

Elizabeth City State was led by Tionna Pettus, who finished with eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Jada Clark added five points and four assists, while Alexis Staton chipped in five points and two steals for the Vikings.

After falling behind 5-2 early, Fayetteville State responded with a 9-0 run capped by a Nyah Wilkins jumper to take an 11-5 lead. The Broncos forced five turnovers in the opening period and converted them into seven points, building a 23-10 advantage after the first quarter. In the second quarter, Fayetteville State stretched the lead to 26-12 before a 5-0 spurt pushed the margin to 31-12. The Broncos knocked down four three-pointers in the period, including two from O'Neal, and went into halftime up 39-20.

The third quarter saw Fayetteville State continue its dominance, using a 9-0 run punctuated by a basket from Taleah Stephens to extend the lead to 49-27. The Broncos scored six of their 10 third-quarter points in the paint and entered the final frame firmly in control. Fayetteville State closed the game with an 8-0 run, highlighted by a Samiyah Barker layup, to push the lead to 59-28 before cruising to the 60-31 win.

Fayetteville State will look to keep its momentum rolling when it returns home to Capel Arena on Monday, December 8, for a 6 p.m. matchup against Chowan.