BALTIMORE, MD -- The Fayetteville State women's basketball team secured a 72-54 victory over the Bluefield State Lady Blues at CFG Bank Arena on Wednesday. The Broncos (19-7, 13-3 CIAA) were bolstered by a strong bench performance, contributing 35 points to their total score.

Fayetteville State showcased a balanced offensive attack with four players scoring in double figures. Leading the charge was Nyah Wilkins, who delivered an impressive performance with 12 points, six rebounds, and two steals, earning her the title of Food Lion Game MVP. Keayna McLaughlin and KaNyah O'Neal each added 10 points, with McLaughlin also grabbing six rebounds. The Broncos dominated the offensive glass, pulling down 10 offensive rebounds, which led to 10 second-chance points. Morgan Graham was a defensive force with five blocks.

Bluefield State (11-19, 3-13 CIAA) saw standout performances from Jasmine Jenkins, Azariah Binford, and Tianna Rhodes. Jenkins recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, despite struggling with her shooting (4-17 FG). Binford contributed 11 points, including three three-pointers, and added four steals. Rhodes chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds, providing a solid presence in the paint.

The game started with Fayetteville State taking an early 3-1 lead and then going on a 5-0 run to extend their advantage to 8-1. By the end of the first quarter, the Broncos led 18-9, capitalizing on four Bluefield State turnovers to score six points. The Broncos maintained their lead in the second quarter, entering halftime with a 30-24 edge.

In the third quarter, Fayetteville State expanded their lead to 40-27 before going on a 9-0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Alivia Evans, to push the lead to 49-27. The Lady Blues managed to cut into the lead slightly, but the Broncos still held a 53-34 advantage going into the fourth quarter. Fayetteville State continued to dominate near the basket, scoring 14 of their 23 third-quarter points in the paint.

The Broncos kept their lead intact in the fourth quarter, going on a 6-0 run to extend the lead to 68-50 with 2:20 remaining. They held on for the 72-54 win, taking advantage of three Bluefield State turnovers in the final quarter to score seven points.

Fayetteville State's defense was a key factor in the win, holding Bluefield State to 29.7 percent shooting from the field and forcing 18 turnovers. The Broncos never trailed after taking an 18-9 first-quarter lead and out-rebounded the Lady Blues 36-29.

The Broncos are set to compete in the semifinals on Friday, February 28th at 6:00 PM. They will go head-to-head with the winner of the Claflin vs. Virginia Union match-up.