Game Preview: Fayetteville State Broncos vs. Shaw Bears Men's Basketball

Date: February 4, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Tickets: fsubroncos.com/tickets
Broadcast Link: fsubroncos.com/gameday

The upcoming men's basketball game between the Fayetteville State Broncos and the Shaw Bears is set to be an exciting clash. Both teams have had solid seasons and are looking to secure a crucial win in their conference standings.

Fayetteville State Broncos
The Broncos have had an impressive season with a 15-6 overall record and a 7-3 mark in conference play. They have been strong on both ends of the court, showcasing a balanced attack and solid defense. Their ability to score efficiently and control the boards has been a significant factor in their success.

Key Players

• Caleb Simmons (#01): Simmons is the leading scorer for the Broncos, averaging 18.2 points per game. He is a dominant force on the boards, pulling down 9.6 rebounds per game. Simmons' shooting efficiency (53.0% FG, 41.5% 3PT, 83.8% FT) makes him a versatile threat on offense. His defensive skills are also notable, with 1.8 steals per game.
• Tairell Fletcher (#00): Fletcher is a key playmaker for the Broncos, averaging 17.0 points and 4.5 assists per game. He is an excellent shooter, particularly from beyond the arc, with a 48.6% 3PT percentage. Fletcher's ability to distribute the ball and create scoring opportunities for his teammates is crucial for the team's success.
• Ezekiel Cannedy (#11): Cannedy adds depth to the Broncos' offense with 15.5 points per game. He is a reliable free-throw shooter, boasting a 90.2% FT percentage. Cannedy's ability to score in clutch moments and his defensive contributions (0.9 steals per game) make him a valuable asset.

Team Strengths

• Scoring Efficiency: The Broncos have a high field goal percentage (45.7%) and are effective from the free-throw line (80.9%).
• Rebounding: They average 35.8 rebounds per game, giving them an edge in controlling the boards.
• Defense: The Broncos excel in creating turnovers, averaging 6.7 steals per game.

 
Shaw Bears
The Bears have had a competitive season with an 11-10 overall record and a 6-4 record in conference play. They have shown resilience and determination, particularly in close games. The Bears' strength lies in their aggressive defense and ability to capitalize on turnovers.

Key Players

• Trent McIntyre (#00): McIntyre leads the Bears in scoring with 16.6 points per game. He is a versatile guard who excels in both scoring and play-making, averaging 3.4 assists per game. McIntyre's defensive prowess is highlighted by his 2.6 steals per game, making him a key player on both ends of the court.
• Dreveon Scott (#02): Scott is a consistent scorer for the Bears, averaging 12.0 points per game. He contributes significantly to the team's rebounding efforts with 5.1 rebounds per game. Scott's defensive skills are also notable, with 1.9 steals per game.
• Dee Barnes (#55): Barnes adds depth to the Bears' offense with 10.3 points per game. He is a solid defender, contributing 1.2 steals per game. Barnes' ability to score and defend makes him a crucial player for the Bears.

Team Strengths

• Aggressive Defense: The Bears are strong defensively, averaging 10.2 steals per game.
• Free Throw Attempts: They get to the free-throw line frequently, averaging 19.3 free throws made per game.
• Resilience: The Bears have shown the ability to stay competitive in close games, often capitalizing on opponents' mistakes.

Combined Team Stats

Statistic	Fayetteville State	Shaw
Points Per Game	75.6	74.4
Rebounds Per Game	35.8	36.4
Assists Per Game	11.1	9.2
Turnovers Per Game	11.6	14.6
Steals Per Game	6.7	10.2
Blocks Per Game	3.2	4.7

Key Matchups

• Caleb Simmons (Fayetteville State) vs. Trent McIntyre (Shaw): Both players are the leading scorers for their respective teams. Simmons' rebounding and scoring efficiency will be tested against McIntyre's defensive skills and play-making abilities.
• Tairell Fletcher (Fayetteville State) vs. Dreveon Scott (Shaw): Fletcher's shooting and play-making will go head-to-head with Scott's scoring and defensive prowess. This match-up could be pivotal in determining the game's outcome.
• Ezekiel Cannedy (Fayetteville State) vs. Dee Barnes (Shaw): Cannedy's scoring and free-throw shooting will be crucial against Barnes' defensive contributions and ability to score.

Game Overview
The upcoming game between the Fayetteville State Broncos and the Shaw Bears is set to be a thrilling encounter. The Broncos have a slight edge in scoring efficiency and rebounding, while the Bears excel in aggressive defense and free-throw attempts. Key match-ups between the leading players of both teams will play a significant role in determining the outcome.