Game Preview: Fayetteville State vs. Shaw Women's Basketball

Date: February 4, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Tickets: fsubroncos.com/tickets
Broadcast Link: fsubroncos.com/gameday

The upcoming women's basketball game between the Fayetteville State Broncos and the Shaw Bears promises to be an exciting matchup.

Fayetteville State Broncos
The Broncos have had a strong season so far, boasting a 12-7 overall record and a 7-3 mark in conference play. They have shown resilience and consistency, particularly in their defensive efforts, which have been a cornerstone of their success. The team has a balanced attack with multiple players contributing significantly in scoring, rebounding, and defense.

Key Players

• Talia Trotter (#30): Trotter is the leading scorer for the Broncos, averaging 13.2 points per game. She is a versatile guard who can drive to the basket and shoot from mid-range. Her ability to create plays and distribute the ball is evident in her 2.8 assists per game. Trotter's defensive skills are also notable, with 1.5 steals per game, making her a key player on both ends of the court.
• Keayna McLaughlin (#15): McLaughlin is a reliable scorer, averaging 11.4 points per game. She is known for her efficiency, shooting 43.3% from the field and an impressive 85.2% from the free-throw line. McLaughlin also contributes significantly to the team's rebounding efforts with 4.9 rebounds per game and is a steady presence in the backcourt with her 2.8 assists per game.
• Morgan Graham (#04): Graham is a force in the paint, averaging 7.2 rebounds and 7.3 points per game. Her field goal percentage of 47.1% highlights her efficiency around the basket. Additionally, Graham's defensive presence is felt with her 2.1 blocks per game, making her a crucial player in protecting the rim.

Team Strengths

• Defense: The Broncos excel in creating turnovers and converting them into points, averaging 10.9 steals per game.
• Balanced Scoring: With multiple players averaging double figures, the Broncos have a well-rounded offensive attack.
• Free Throw Shooting: They have a solid free throw percentage, which can be crucial in close games.

Shaw Bears
The Bears have faced a challenging season with an 8-12 overall record and a 4-6 record in conference play. Despite the hurdles, they have demonstrated their potential, especially in rebounding and interior defense. The Bears have a few standout players who have been pivotal in keeping the team competitive in many games.

Key Players

• D'Ayzha Akinson (#25): Akinson leads the Bears in scoring with 11.6 points per game. She is a dynamic forward who excels in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 6.1 rebounds per game. Akinson's ability to shoot from beyond the arc (31.8% 3PT) and her defensive contributions (1.3 steals per game) make her a versatile threat on the court.
• Zaniyyah Ross-Barnes (#05): Ross-Barnes is a dominant rebounder, averaging 9.0 rebounds per game, and a consistent scorer with 10.9 points per game. Her field goal percentage of 53.3% underscores her efficiency in the paint. Ross-Barnes also adds a defensive edge with 1.7 blocks per game, making her a key player in both offense and defense.
• Kaylee Milburn (#02): Milburn is an efficient scorer, shooting 55.5% from the field and contributing 7.7 points per game. She also adds 4.2 rebounds per game, providing valuable support in the frontcourt. Milburn's ability to shoot from long range (50% 3PT) adds another dimension to the Bears' offense.

Team Strengths

• Rebounding: The Bears are strong on the boards, averaging 42.2 rebounds per game, which gives them second-chance opportunities.
• Interior Defense: With a high number of blocks per game, the Bears protect the paint effectively.
• Efficient Shooting: They have a slightly higher field goal percentage compared to their opponents, which helps them stay competitive.

 
Team Stats

Statistic	Fayetteville State	Shaw
Points Per Game	65.7	60.9
Rebounds Per Game	37.9	42.2
Assists Per Game	13.9	13.3
Turnovers Per Game	16.3	22.7
Steals Per Game	10.9	8.8
Blocks Per Game	3.8	7.5

 
Key Matchups

• Talia Trotter (Fayetteville State) vs. D'Ayzha Akinson (Shaw): Both players are leading scorers for their respective teams. Trotter's ability to drive and score will be tested against Akinson's defensive skills and rebounding prowess.
• Morgan Graham (Fayetteville State) vs. Zaniyyah Ross-Barnes (Shaw): This matchup in the paint will be crucial. Graham's scoring and rebounding will go head-to-head with Ross-Barnes' dominant presence on the boards and efficient scoring.

Game Outlook
The Broncos have a slight edge in scoring and defensive stats, with a higher points per game average and more steals per game. However, the Bears excel in rebounding, which could be a crucial factor in the game. The key to victory for Fayetteville State will be maintaining their defensive pressure and capitalizing on turnovers, while Shaw will need to dominate the boards and improve their ball handling to reduce turnovers.

This game is set to be a competitive clash, with both teams looking to secure a crucial win in their conference standings. Keep an eye on the standout players from both sides as they battle it out on the court!