BALTIMORE, MD – The Fayetteville State University men's basketball team is set to take on Virginia Union University in the CIAA quarterfinals on Wednesday, February 26th, at 8:50 PM in the CFG Arena in Baltimore, MD. The Broncos, who have been on a hot streak, will look to continue their winning ways against a formidable Panthers squad.

The two teams have faced each other twice this season, with Fayetteville State coming out on top in both encounters. The most recent matchup saw the Broncos secure a 68-61 victory on February 10, 2025, thanks to standout performances from Caleb Simmons and Tairell Fletcher.

The historical rivalry between Fayetteville State and Virginia Union has been competitive. Since December 4, 2007, the teams have met 29 times, with Virginia Union holding a slight edge with 16 wins to Fayetteville State's 13. The longest winning streak in this series belongs to Virginia Union, with six consecutive wins from January 6, 2009, to January 12, 2013. However, Fayetteville State has won the last three match-ups, including the most recent victory on February 10, 2025.
 
Fayetteville State Broncos
The Fayetteville State Broncos, under the leadership of Head Coach Luke D'Alessio, have had an impressive season with a record of 21-7 overall and 12-4 in the CIAA. Known for their resilience and depth, the Broncos have consistently demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion, with multiple players stepping up in crucial moments. This combination of strong leadership and team depth has been a key factor in their success this season.

Key Players:

• Tairell Fletcher: Leading scorer with an average of 17.6 points per game, shooting 45% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range. Fletcher also contributes 4.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game. As the leading scorer, Fletcher's ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities will be crucial. His knack for drawing fouls and converting free throws can help the Broncos maintain offensive pressure.
• Caleb Simmons: Dominant in the paint, averaging 17.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 51.8% and 41.4% from beyond the arc. Simmons' presence in the paint is vital for both scoring and rebounding. His ability to dominate the boards and provide second-chance points will be key in controlling the game's tempo.
• Ezekiel Cannady: Talented guard known for his clutch performances, averaging 16.0 points per game, shooting 36.9% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range. Cannady's clutch performances, including his buzzer-beater against Claflin, demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure. His scoring and playmaking skills will be crucial in tight situations.
• Myles Pierre: Sharpshooter from beyond the arc, contributing 9.1 points per game with impressive shooting percentages of 53.8% from the field and 50% from three-point range. Pierre's sharpshooting from beyond the arc can stretch Virginia Union's defense. His three-point accuracy will be essential in opening up the floor for his teammates.

Team Strengths

• High-Scoring Offense: The Broncos boast a potent offense, led by Tairell Fletcher and Caleb Simmons, who average 17.6 and 17.2 points per game, respectively. Their ability to score in transition and from beyond the arc makes them a formidable offensive unit.
• Rebounding Dominance: Caleb Simmons is a key player in the paint, averaging 9.3 rebounds per game. His presence ensures that the Broncos control the boards, providing second-chance opportunities and limiting opponents' possessions.
• Depth and Versatility: With players like Ezekiel Cannady and Myles Pierre contributing significantly, the Broncos have a deep roster. This depth allows them to maintain a high level of play even when rotating players, making them resilient in crucial moments.

Virginia Union Panthers
The Virginia Union Panthers, led by Head Coach Jay Butler, have experienced an up-and-down season with a record of 15-13 overall and 8-8 in the CIAA. Despite the fluctuations, the Panthers have proven their ability to compete with top teams, highlighted by a notable victory against the seventh-ranked Fairmont State. Coach Butler will be focusing on executing their game plan effectively and leveraging the team's strengths to secure a win in the upcoming quarterfinals.

Key Players:

• Tahj Harding: Leading scorer, averaging 15.8 points per game, with solid contributions in rebounds and assists. Harding's scoring ability and playmaking skills will be central to the Panthers' offense. His contributions in rebounds and assists make him a versatile threat.
• DJ Mitchell: Consistent scorer, averaging 13.4 points per game, and a reliable free-throw shooter at 78%. Mitchell's consistent scoring and reliable free-throw shooting will be key for the Panthers. His ability to score from beyond the arc adds another dimension to their offense.
• O'Maundre Harris: Versatile player, contributing 10.6 points per game, with strong defensive stats including 3 steals per game. Harris' versatility allows him to contribute in multiple areas, including scoring, rebounding, and defense. His strong defensive stats, including steals, will be crucial in disrupting Fayetteville State's offense.
• Jonathan King: Defensive anchor, averaging 10 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, with a notable field goal percentage of 47.7%. King's defensive skills and rebounding will be critical in limiting Fayetteville State's second-chance opportunities. His ability to protect the rim and control the boards will be a key factor in the Panthers' defensive strategy.

Team Strengths

• Balanced Scoring: The Panthers have multiple scoring threats, including Tahj Harding (15.8 points per game) and DJ Mitchell (13.4 points per game). This balanced scoring makes it difficult for opponents to focus on shutting down a single player.
• Defensive Prowess: Jonathan King anchors the defense with 7.4 rebounds and nearly 2 steals per game. His defensive skills help the Panthers limit their opponents' scoring opportunities and control the tempo of the game.
• Versatility: Players like O'Maundre Harris contribute in various aspects of the game, including scoring, rebounding, and defense. This versatility allows the Panthers to adapt to different game situations and opponents.

Overall Comparison

• Both teams have their unique strengths that make this matchup intriguing.
• Fayetteville State's high-scoring offense and rebounding dominance will be tested against Virginia Union's balanced scoring and strong defense.
• The Broncos' depth and versatility give them an edge in maintaining consistent performance, while the Panthers' ability to adapt and execute their game plan effectively will be crucial. 

What to Watch For

• Fayetteville State's Offense: The Broncos' high-powered offense, led by Fletcher and Simmons, will be a key factor. Their ability to score in transition and from beyond the arc will test Virginia Union's defense.
• Virginia Union's Defense: The Panthers will need to focus on limiting turnovers and controlling the tempo. Jonathan King's rebounding and defensive presence will be crucial in keeping the Broncos at bay.
• Bench Contributions: Both teams have depth, with players like Myles Pierre for Fayetteville State and Bobby Gardner for Virginia Union providing valuable minutes off the bench.

How to Follow
Fans can follow the action live on the Fayetteville State Athletics website or through the CIAA's official streaming service. Live stats and updates will also be available on social media.
Get ready for an exciting matchup as the Broncos and Panthers battle it out for a spot in the CIAA semifinals!