The Fayetteville State Broncos are set to face the Virginia State Trojans in the 50th CIAA Women's Basketball Championship game today at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Md at 1 pm. This highly anticipated matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two formidable teams. The Championship game will be aired on ESPNU. HSRN will provide a online radio broadcast at https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/HSRN.

This will be second time in program history that the Trojans and Broncos face-off in the Women's Championship Game.  Fayetteville State won a tournament consolation game in 1975 and defeated Virginia State in 1979, 63-61, for FSU first CIAA title.

Key Matchup Factors

Fayetteville State Broncos

1. Strong Defensive Play: Fayetteville State has shown strong defensive capabilities throughout the season. They need to maintain tight defense, especially on Virginia State's key scorers, to limit their offensive output.
2. Rebounding Dominance: Controlling the boards will be crucial. The Broncos should focus on both offensive and defensive rebounding to create second-chance opportunities and prevent Virginia State from getting easy put-backs.
3. Minimizing Turnovers: Turnovers can be costly in a high-stakes game. Fayetteville State must take care of the ball and make smart decisions to avoid giving Virginia State easy scoring opportunities.
4. Balanced Scoring: Relying on multiple players to contribute offensively will make it harder for Virginia State to focus their defense on one player. Key players like Talia Trotter and Keayna McLaughlin need to step up and share the scoring load.

Virginia State Trojans

1. Aggressive Offense: Virginia State should look to attack the basket and draw fouls. This will not only give them opportunities for free throws but also potentially put Fayetteville State's key players in foul trouble.
2. Perimeter Shooting: Utilizing their perimeter shooters like Tiyanna James can help stretch Fayetteville State's defense and create more space for inside plays.
3. Pressure Defense: Applying full-court pressure can disrupt Fayetteville State's offensive rhythm and force turnovers. Virginia State's ability to capitalize on these turnovers will be key.
4. Bench Contribution: Depth can be a deciding factor in a championship game. Virginia State needs strong contributions from their bench players to maintain intensity and performance throughout the game.

Both teams have their strengths, and the game is expected to be a closely contested battle. The team that executes their strategies more effectively will likely come out on top.

Players to Watch from Fayetteville State
Here are some key players from Fayetteville State to keep an eye on in the championship game and why they are important:

1. Talia Trotter (#30)
   • Position: Guard
   • Statistics: 13.3 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game.
   • Why to Watch: Trotter is the leading scorer for the Broncos and a consistent offensive threat. Her ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities will be crucial for Fayetteville State.
2. Keayna McLaughlin (#15)
   • Position: Forward
   • Statistics: 10.9 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game.
   • Why to Watch: McLaughlin is a versatile player who contributes on both ends of the floor. Her scoring and rebounding abilities make her a key player in maintaining the team's balance.
3. KaNyah O'Neal (#13)
   • Position: Guard
   • Statistics: 7.8 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game.
   • Why to Watch: O'Neal is a strong scorer and a reliable shooter from beyond the arc. Her ability to stretch the defense with her three-point shooting will be vital for the Broncos' offense.
4. Morgan Graham (#04)
   • Position: Center
   • Statistics: 7.3 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game.
   • Why to Watch: Graham is a dominant presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Her rebounding and shot-blocking abilities make her a key player in controlling the game inside.
5. Nyah Wilkins (#21)
   • Position: Forward
   • Statistics: 7.6 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game.
   • Why to Watch: Wilkins is a strong rebounder and a solid defender. Her presence on the boards and ability to guard multiple positions will be crucial in limiting Virginia State's second-chance opportunities.

These players have been instrumental in Fayetteville State's success this season and will play pivotal roles in the championship game. Their performances will be key to the Broncos' chances of securing the title.

Players to Watch from Virginia State
Here are some key players from Virginia State to keep an eye on in the championship game and why they are important:

1. Anii Harris (#01)
   • Position: Guard
   • Statistics: 15.5 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game.
   • Why to Watch: Harris is the leading scorer for Virginia State and a consistent offensive threat. Her ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities will be crucial for the Trojans.
2. Amesha Miller (#33)
   • Position: Forward
   • Statistics: 14.4 points per game, 8.0 rebounds per game, 1.4 blocks per game.
   • Why to Watch: Miller is a dominant presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Her rebounding and shot-blocking abilities make her a key player in controlling the game inside.
3. Mihjae Hayes (#03)
   • Position: Guard
   • Statistics: 9.4 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game, 4.0 assists per game.
   • Why to Watch: Hayes is a versatile guard who can score, rebound, and distribute the ball effectively. Her playmaking skills will be essential in setting up her teammates and maintaining offensive flow.
4. Tiyanna James (#02)
   • Position: Guard
   • Statistics: 9.0 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, 2.6 assists per game.
   • Why to Watch: James is a reliable perimeter shooter and a solid defender. Her ability to hit three-pointers can stretch the defense and open up the floor for her teammates.
5. Carmen Kweti (#14)
   • Position: Forward
   • Statistics: 7.0 points per game, 11.8 rebounds per game.
   • Why to Watch: Kweti is a rebounding machine, leading the team with 11.8 rebounds per game. Her presence on the boards will be vital in limiting second-chance opportunities for Fayetteville State.

Fayetteville State's History Against Virginia State
On December 19, 2024, Fayetteville State defeated Virginia State 65-46 at Capel Arena in Fayetteville, NC. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the game:

Team Performance

• Fayetteville State:
  • Field Goals: 43.8% (28-64)
  • Three-Point Shooting: 18.8% (3-16)
  • Free Throws: 85.7% (6-7)
  • Rebounds: 45 (15 offensive, 30 defensive)
  • Assists: 16
  • Turnovers: 15
  • Points in the Paint: 44
  • Points off Turnovers: 17
• Virginia State:
  • Field Goals: 26.2% (16-61)
  • Three-Point Shooting: 28.6% (4-14)
  • Free Throws: 66.7% (10-15)
  • Rebounds: 39 (17 offensive, 22 defensive)
  • Assists: 5
  • Turnovers: 15
  • Points in the Paint: 18
  • Points off Turnovers: 9

Key Players

• Fayetteville State:
  • Keayna McLaughlin: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists
  • Morgan Graham: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks
  • Ashara Hayes: 13 points, 6 rebounds
• Virginia State:
  • Carmen Kweti: 8 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals
  • Skylar White: 10 points
  • Kendahl Spearman: 10 points

Game Flow

• First Quarter: Fayetteville State started strong, leading 22-16.
• Second Quarter: Both teams struggled offensively, but Fayetteville State maintained the lead, 33-22.
• Third Quarter: Fayetteville State extended their lead to 47-33.
• Fourth Quarter: Fayetteville State closed out the game with an 18-13 run, securing a 65-46 victory.

Analysis
Fayetteville State's victory was driven by their superior shooting efficiency, strong rebounding, and solid defense. They dominated the paint, scoring 44 points inside compared to Virginia State's 18. Key performances from McLaughlin, Graham, and Hayes provided the offensive spark needed to secure the win. Virginia State struggled with shooting consistency and turnovers, which hindered their ability to mount a comeback.

This game showcased Fayetteville State's ability to control the tempo and execute their game plan effectively, setting a strong precedent for their upcoming championship matchup.
 
Fayetteville State and Virginia State have a long history of competitive matchups. Here's an analysis of their head-to-head record over the years:

Key Highlights

1. Early Success (1974-1979):
   • Fayetteville State had a strong start, winning their first three matchups, including a close 63-61 victory in the 1979 CIAA Tournament.
2. Challenging Period (1981-1993):
   • During this period, Virginia State dominated, winning 13 out of 16 games. Notable losses for Fayetteville State include a 55-108 defeat in 1988 and a 54-77 loss in 1989.
3. Resurgence (1995-2007):
   • Fayetteville State bounced back with a series of victories, including a high-scoring 106-96 win in 1997 and a dominant 102-74 win in 2001. They won 13 out of 17 games during this period.
4. Recent Years (2008-2024):
   • The matchups have been more balanced in recent years. Fayetteville State has won 10 out of 18 games, including a significant 86-61 victory in the 2024 CIAA Tournament.

Notable Games

• 1975 CIAA Tournament: Fayetteville State won 60-56 in the quarter-finals.
• 1979 CIAA Tournament: Fayetteville State won 63-61 in the finals.
• 2001-02 Season: Fayetteville State won 75-62 in the regular season but lost 52-57 in the CIAA Tournament.
• 2010 CIAA Tournament: Fayetteville State won 66-61 in the semi-finals.
• 2024 CIAA Tournament: Fayetteville State won 86-61 in the semi-finals.

Recent Performance

• 2023-24 Season: Fayetteville State won both matchups, including a 78-69 victory in Petersburg, VA, and an 86-61 win in the CIAA Tournament.
• 2024-25 Season: Fayetteville State continued their dominance with a 65-46 win at home.

Analysis
Fayetteville State has shown resilience and the ability to bounce back after challenging periods. Their recent success against Virginia State, especially in tournament settings, indicates a strong competitive edge. Key factors in their victories have included strong defensive play, effective rebounding, and balanced scoring.

As they prepare for the upcoming championship game, Fayetteville State will look to leverage their historical success and recent momentum to secure another victory against Virginia State.

Fayetteville State Broncos Tournament History Highlights

• 1975: The Broncos reached the semi-finals but lost to Saint Augustine's. They secured a consolation win against Virginia State.
• 1976: Advanced to the finals but were defeated by Shaw.
• 1979: Won the championship by defeating Virginia State in the finals.
• 1997: Reached the finals but lost to Bowie State.
• 2010: Clinched the championship with a victory over Bowie State.
• 2013: Made it to the finals but were defeated by Shaw.
• 2020: Won the championship by defeating Bowie State.
• 2024: Defeated Virginia State in the semi-finals and went on to win the championship against Elizabeth City State.

The Broncos have a rich history in the tournament, with multiple deep runs and championships. Their experience and resilience will be crucial as they aim to add another title to their storied legacy.

Prediction
Given the Broncos' strong performance this season and their historical success in the tournament, they are well-positioned to claim victory. However, Virginia State is a formidable opponent, and the game is expected to be closely contested.