BALTIMORE, MD — The Fayetteville State women's basketball team secured their second consecutive championship with a 64-56 victory over Virginia State (23-6, 14-2 CIAA) at CFG Bank Arena on Saturday. The Broncos (21-7, 13-3 CIAA) were led by standout performances from Keayna McLaughlin and Talia Trotter, each contributing 15 points. McLaughlin, who was named the Food Lion MVP of the Game, also added eight rebounds and three steals. Trotter filled the stat sheet with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks.
 
Junior Nyah Wilkins was named the CIAA Tournament MVP after averaging 9 points and 6.7 rebounds over three games. She was a major factor in the victory over Bluefield State with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Even more of a factor with a double-double against Virginia Union. She produced 11 points, 10 rebounds, and an assist. Wilkins and McLaughlin were both named to the CIAA All-Tournament Team.

Fayetteville State's defense was a key factor in the win, holding Virginia State to just 14.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc. The Broncos also forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 13 points. McLaughlin's three steals were instrumental in disrupting the Trojans' offense.
 
The Broncos established an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead 11-8. They extended their advantage to 32-17 by halftime, thanks to a 6-0 run capped by a three-pointer from Daziyahna Wilson. Fayetteville State's hot shooting from deep continued in the second quarter, where they hit six three-pointers.
 
In the third quarter, Fayetteville State maintained their lead, going on a 7-0 run to push the score to 48-32. Despite a late push from Virginia State, the Broncos entered the final quarter with a 51-39 lead and held on for the victory.
 
Fayetteville State made a total of eight three-pointers in the victory and limited the Trojans to 36.2 percent shooting from the field.
 
Virginia State's Amesha Miller led all scorers with 19 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Fayetteville State's balanced attack and strong defensive effort.
 
Fayetteville State's victory marks their second straight championship, solidifying their dominance in the conference. FSU is now 6-11 in championship play dating back to 1976. The Broncos defeated Virginia State 63-61 in 1979 for its first-ever CIAA Championship crown.