BALTIMORE, Md. — Fayetteville State and Bluefield State are set to clash in the quarterfinals of the 50^th CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament at the CFG Bank Arena.  Fayetteville State (18-7 overall and 13-3 in the CIAA) enters the game with momentum, having won all four previous matchups against Bluefield State dating back to 2005.
 
The most recent contest between the two teams occurred earlier this season on December 21, 2024, in Fayetteville, N.C.  The Broncos emerged victorious with a convincing 74-53 win.  Last season, the two teams met in the CIAA Tournament in Baltimore, with Fayetteville State prevailing 59-45.
 
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.
 
While historical results favor Fayetteville State, tournament play often brings unexpected outcomes.  Bluefield State will be looking to break their losing streak against the Broncos and make a statement in the tournament.  Fayetteville State, on the other hand, will aim to continue their dominance and advance further in the tournament.
 
Key players to watch for Fayetteville State include:

• Talia Trotter: She leads the team in scoring (17.7 points per game) and minutes played. Her consistent scoring and time on the court make her a key player for the Broncos.

• Keayna McLaughlin: McLaughlin is a strong all-around contributor, averaging 13.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Her balanced play makes her a threat on both ends of the floor.
• KaNyah O'Neal: O'Neal is another double-digit scorer for the Broncos, averaging 13.0 points per game. She is also a key rebounder.
• Morgan Graham: Graham contributes 7.9 points and a team leading 7.5 rebounds per game. Her presence in the paint will be important against Bluefield State.

Other players could step up and have big games, and defensive matchups will play a role.
 
Bluefield State's hopes may rest on the shoulders of:

• Jasmine Jenkins: Jenkins was named the Food Lion MVP in Bluefield State's opening round win against Johnson C. Smith, scoring 23 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. She is a key scorer and rebounder for the Big Blue and will be a focal point of their offense.
• Azariah Binford: Binford also had a big game against Johnson C. Smith, scoring 24 points. She is another scoring threat for Bluefield State and will need to be contained by Fayetteville State's defense.

While individual players are important, the overall team comparison between Fayetteville State and Bluefield State provides a broader picture of their strengths and weaknesses heading into the CIAA Quarterfinal. Here's a breakdown based on available information:
Fayetteville State:

• Recent Performance: Fayetteville State has generally had the upper hand in recent matchups against Bluefield State, winning all four of their previous encounters. This suggests a potential psychological edge and a familiarity with each other's playing styles.
• Offensive Balance: The Broncos boast a balanced scoring attack with multiple players capable of reaching double figures. This makes them harder to defend as opponents can't solely focus on shutting down one or two players.
• Defensive Prowess: Fayetteville State has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, which will be crucial in containing Bluefield State's key scorers.

Bluefield State:

• Momentum from First Round: Bluefield State is coming off a strong win in the first round of the tournament, where they showcased their offensive firepower with both Jasmine Jenkins and Azariah Binford scoring over 20 points. This victory should provide a boost of confidence.
• Offensive Threats: Jenkins and Binford form a formidable scoring duo for Bluefield State. If they can get hot, they can pose a serious challenge to Fayetteville State's defense.
• Underdog Mentality: As the underdogs in this matchup, Bluefield State has the opportunity to play with less pressure and potentially catch Fayetteville State off guard.

Overall Comparison:

• Fayetteville State's advantage lies in their historical dominance over Bluefield State, their balanced scoring, and their defensive capabilities. They appear to be the more consistent team overall.
• Bluefield State's strength lies in their explosive offensive potential, particularly through Jenkins and Binford. If they can maintain their offensive rhythm from the first round and find a way to disrupt Fayetteville State's defense, they have a chance to pull off an upset.

Key Factors:

• Defensive battle: How well Fayetteville State can contain Jenkins and Binford will be crucial. Similarly, how Bluefield State defends against Fayetteville State's balanced attack will be a key factor.
• Rebounding: Both teams have players who are strong on the boards. The battle for rebounds could be crucial in determining second-chance opportunities.
• Turnovers: Minimizing turnovers will be essential for both teams, as it can lead to fast-break points and momentum swings.

 
Ultimately, the game will likely come down to which team executes their game plan better and which team's key players perform at their best. It has the potential to be a closely contested and exciting matchup.
 
The quarterfinal matchup is scheduled for 4:30 pm, Wednesday, February 26 at the CFG Bank Arena.  The winner will advance to the semifinals on Friday, February 28 to face the winner of the Claflin vs. Virginia Union quarterfinal.