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Ezekiel Best

Men's Basketball

Fayetteville State Men's Basketball to Take on Bluefield State in CIAA Semifinals

BALTIMORE, MD– The Fayetteville State University men's basketball team is gearing up for a thrilling semifinal matchup against Bluefield State University in the CIAA Tournament at CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD. The game is set to take place on Friday, February 28th, at 8:00 PM. Both teams have had impressive seasons and will be looking to secure a spot in the finals.

The historical rivalry between Fayetteville State and Bluefield State has been competitive. The teams have competed 10 times since 2005, with Fayetteville State winning 8 of those matchups. The most recent encounter on December 21, 2024, saw Fayetteville State secure an 80-73 victory. This win continued Fayetteville State's dominance in the series, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and maintain their edge over Bluefield State.

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 22-7 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: 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. He averages 17.7 points per game, shooting 45.2% from the field and 40.3% from three-point range.
  • Caleb Simmons: 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. He averages 16.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 50.9%.
  • Ezekiel Cannady: 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. He averages 16.0 points per game, shooting 36.8% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range.
  • Myles Pierre: Pierre's sharpshooting from beyond the arc can stretch Bluefield State's defense. His three-point accuracy will be essential in opening up the floor for his teammates. He contributes 9.1 points per game with impressive shooting percentages of 53.0% from the field and 49.4% from three-point range.
 Team Strengths
  • High-Scoring Offense: The Broncos boast a potent offense, led by Tairell Fletcher and Caleb Simmons, who average 17.7 and 16.9 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.
Bluefield State Big Blues
The Bluefield State Big Blues, led by Head Coach Devin Hoehn, have experienced a solid season with a record of 18-10 overall and 10-6 in the CIAA. Despite some ups and downs, the Big Blues have proven their ability to compete with top teams, highlighted by several key victories. Coach Hoehn will be focusing on executing their game plan effectively and leveraging the team's strengths to secure a win in the upcoming semifinals.

Key Players
  • Jordan Hinds: Hinds is the leading scorer for the Big Blues, averaging 20.9 points per game. His ability to score efficiently, shooting 49.5% from the field and 38.0% from three-point range, makes him a constant threat.
  • Romeo Aquino: Aquino contributes significantly with 14.4 points per game, shooting 48.8% from the field. His versatility allows him to impact the game in multiple areas, including rebounding and defense.
  • Rell Williams: Williams is a key playmaker, averaging 13.2 points and 5.5 assists per game. His ability to facilitate the offense and create opportunities for his teammates will be crucial.
  • Larry Howell: Howell's contributions include 12.4 points per game, with strong shooting percentages of 44.1% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range. His defensive skills and rebounding will be important in limiting Fayetteville State's second-chance opportunities.
  • Shainen Carter: Carter adds depth to the Big Blues' lineup, averaging 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. His presence in the paint will be vital in controlling the boards.
Team Strengths
  • Balanced Scoring: The Big Blues have multiple scoring threats, including Jordan Hinds (20.9 points per game) and Romeo Aquino (14.4 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 Bluefield State'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. This game promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a spot in the CIAA finals.

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 Bluefield State's defense.
  • Bluefield State's Defense: The Big Blues will need to focus on limiting turnovers and controlling the tempo. Their defensive prowess, led by Jonathan King, will be crucial in keeping the Broncos at bay.
  • Bench Contributions: Both teams have depth, with players like Myles Pierre for Fayetteville State and Shainen Carter for Bluefield State 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 Big Blues battle it out for a spot in the CIAA finals!
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Tairell Fletcher

#0 Tairell Fletcher

PG/SG
6' 2"
Senior
October 11th
Myles Pierre

#15 Myles Pierre

PG
6' 1"
Senior
December 2nd
Caleb Simmons

#1 Caleb Simmons

G/F
6' 4"
Senior
December 17th

Players Mentioned

Tairell Fletcher

#0 Tairell Fletcher

6' 2"
Senior
October 11th
PG/SG
Myles Pierre

#15 Myles Pierre

6' 1"
Senior
December 2nd
PG
Caleb Simmons

#1 Caleb Simmons

6' 4"
Senior
December 17th
G/F