The Fayetteville State University women's basketball team had an impressive 2024-25 regular season, securing their third consecutive CIAA Southern Division Championship and earning the top seed in the South heading into the tournament. The Broncos showcased their dominance with a strong 9-1 divisional standing, overall record of 18-7 and a conference record of 13-3. As South's No. 1 seed, the Broncos are set to face tough competition in the CIAA Tournament. Their first game on Wednesday, February 26 at 4:30 pm will be against the winner of the preliminary round between the North's No. 4 Bluefield State and the South's No. 5 Johnson C. Smith in the CFG Bank Arena.
Key highlights from the season include a commanding 81-62 victory over Clayton State on November 23, 2024, and a decisive 70-42 win against Shaw University on February 4, 2025. Standout performances were led by
Talia Trotter, who averaged 13.2 points per game, and
Keayna McLaughlin, who contributed 11.7 points per game.
Morgan Graham was a force on the boards, averaging 6.8 rebounds per game.
With their balanced attack and solid defense, the Broncos are well-prepared to make a deep run in the tournament with aspirations of returning to the Sweet Sixteen and advancing further. The team's resilience and determination throughout the season have positioned them as strong contenders for the CIAA Championship title.
Historically, the Broncos have had notable success in past tournaments. They captured the CIAA Championship title in 2024, defeating Elizabeth City State 64-59 in a thrilling final. This victory marked their fifth conference title and first since 2020, when they downed nationally-ranked Bowie State 61-53 to claim the championship. The first CIAA championship for Fayetteville State came in 1979, when they edged out Virginia State 63-61 in a hard-fought battle. This historic victory laid the foundation for the program's future success and established the Broncos as a formidable force in women's basketball.
This year's tournament is particularly special as it marks the 50th anniversary of the CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament. The 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament will celebrate this milestone from February 25 to March 1 at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD. The event will honor the legacy of women's basketball and the trailblazing athletes who have shaped its history. Special initiatives under the banner #PaintingHerStory will take place throughout the week, including the EmpowerHER Town Hall, Women's Empowerment Brunch, and the John B. McClendon Jr. CIAA Hall of Fame Breakfast. These events will highlight the achievements and contributions of women in sports, making this year's tournament a memorable celebration of excellence and perseverance.
Additional celebration events include Ladies' Night on Championship Saturday, The Mind, Body, Soul Panel, and beloved CIAA traditions like Fan Fest, Career Expo, Education Day, Step Shows, A-List Performances, and CIAA Parties. The week long sports and culture extravaganza will feature 22 dynamic basketball match ups, with all games broadcast exclusively on ESPN+ and championship games on ESPNU. This monumental milestone for the CIAA and women's sports will be a testament to the hard work of member institutions, the resilience of student-athletes, and the vibrant culture of HBCUs and their communities.
Key strategies for tournament success include maintaining their strong defensive presence, which has been a cornerstone of their game plan all season. The Broncos will focus on limiting their opponents' scoring opportunities by applying intense pressure and forcing turnovers. Additionally, they will rely on their balanced offensive attack, ensuring that multiple players contribute to the scoring effort. Effective ball movement and high-percentage shot selection will be crucial. Lastly, the Broncos will emphasize the importance of rebounding, both offensively and defensively, to control the pace of the game and create second-chance opportunities. With these strategies in place, Fayetteville State is well-equipped to make a deep run in the tournament.
