No. 7 FAYETTEVILLE STATE BRONCOS (21-7, 13-3 CIAA) vs. No. 2 GANNON GOLDEN KNIGHTS (25-6, 16-4 PSAC West)
NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional -- Quarterfinals
DATE/TIME: Friday, March 14, 2025 | 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Edinboro University's McComb Fieldhouse l Edinboro, Pa.

LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
 
TICKETS
Tickets must be purchased online via the above link, and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to arrival at McComb Fieldhouse for the fastest and easiest entry. Prices are set at $10 for adults and $5 for students (k-12). There will be NO cash sale of tickets

The stakes are high as Fayetteville State and Gannon clash in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Quarterfinal, a rematch that carries the weight of past encounters and the promise of a hard-fought battle. Fayetteville State, fueled by their tenacious defense and a hunger to advance, faces a formidable Gannon squad known for their offensive efficiency and rebounding prowess. This matchup promises to be a compelling contest, pitting contrasting styles against each other in a pivotal game that will determine who moves one step closer to the regional championship.
 
When comparing Fayetteville State and Gannon, several key factors emerge, especially considering their recent matchups:
 
Historical Context:

• It's important to note that these teams have met in previous NCAA tournaments, providing a backdrop for this current matchup.¹ Gannon has had the upper hand in recent matchups.

Key Differences and Similarities:

• Defensive Focus:
  • Both teams demonstrate strong defensive capabilities. However, Fayetteville State's defense is a very strong part of their identity. They create a lot of turnovers, and get a lot of steals.
  • Gannon also has a very strong defense, that limits opponent scoring.
• Offensive Style:
  • Gannon exhibits a more efficient offensive approach, particularly in three-point shooting and free-throw accuracy.
  • Fayetteville State relies more on capitalizing on turnovers and a strong inside game.
• Rebounding:
  • Both teams are strong on the boards, but Gannon has shown to have an advantage in rebounding in past match ups.
• Turnovers:
  • Fayetteville state forces a lot of turnovers.² Gannon also forces many turnovers, but also commits a fair amount. So, the turnover battle will be a key factor in the game.

Key Matchup Points:

• Gannon's three-point shooting versus Fayetteville State's perimeter defense.
• Fayetteville State's ability to create turnovers and capitalize on them versus Gannon's ball security.
• The battle on the boards, with Gannon having shown a rebounding advantage.

In summary:

• Gannon appears to have an edge in offensive efficiency, while Fayetteville State's strength lies in its disruptive defense. The game will likely hinge on whether Fayetteville State can force enough turnovers to disrupt Gannon's offensive rhythm and whether they can control the rebounding battle.
• Also, based on previous games, Gannon has shown to have an advantage. So, Fayetteville State will have to play a very strong game to overcome Gannon.

GANNON SCOUTING REPORT

Overall: Gannon presents a formidable challenge, boasting a 25-6 record (16-4 conference) and a well-balanced team. Their significant scoring margin (+13.2) indicates their ability to control games on both ends of the floor.  
Offensive Breakdown:

• Scoring: Gannon averages 69.7 points per game, demonstrating a consistent offensive output. Their strength lies in their efficiency, with a 42.8% field goal percentage and a 33.1% three-point percentage. They also capitalize on free throw opportunities, shooting 76.3% from the line.
• Three-Point Shooting: They make an average of 6.6 three-pointers per game, indicating they are a team that can stretch the floor. Defending the three-point line will be crucial.
• Ball Movement: Gannon averages 13.7 assists per game, highlighting their ability to share the ball and create open looks.
• Points off Turnovers: Gannon averages 18.6 points off of turnovers. This means they capitalize on opponents mistakes.

Defensive Breakdown:

• Scoring Defense: Gannon's defense is a major strength, holding opponents to just 56.5 points per game. Their opponents field goal percentage is only 35.1%.
• Rebounding: They control the glass, averaging 38.6 rebounds per game, leading to a significant rebounding margin (+4.4). Limiting their second-chance opportunities will be essential.
• Turnovers: While they force 17.2 turnovers per game, they also commit 15.2, indicating a potential area for exploitation.
• Steals and Blocks: Gannon is active defensively, averaging 8.4 steals and 3.3 blocks per game.

Key Takeaways:

• Gannon is a strong defensive team that forces turnovers and controls the boards.
• They are efficient offensively, particularly from three-point range and the free-throw line.
• Their ability to score off turnovers is a key factor in their success.
• Their assist to turnover ratio is .9, meaning that they almost have as many turnovers as assists.

Areas for Focus:

• Defensive Discipline: Limit Gannon's three-point opportunities and control the paint to minimize their scoring.
• Rebounding: Box out effectively and secure rebounds to prevent second-chance points.
• Turnover Management: Protect the ball and minimize turnovers to avoid giving Gannon easy scoring opportunities.
• Exploit Turnover differential: Try to force Gannon into turnovers, and capitalize on those opportunities.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Bri Claxon (#12):
  • Claxon is a dominant force, leading the team in scoring (14.8 PPG) and minutes played.
  • Her high field goal percentage (45.9%) indicates her efficiency.
  • She also leads the team in rebounding with 3.7 per game.
  • She is a key player on both sides of the ball.
• Maddy Wheatley (#04):
  • Wheatley is another key scorer, averaging 12.4 points per game.
  • She displays excellent shooting efficiency with a 50% field goal percentage and 42.3% from three-point range.
  • She also is a strong rebounder.
• Kate Ratliff (#23):
  • Ratliff is another key scorer for Gannon, scoring 14.1 points per game.
  • She also rebounds well, with 5.0 rebounds per game.
• Carissa Dunham (#13):
  • Dunham is very efficient, especially from the free throw line, shooting 100%.
  • She averages 7.8 points per game.

FAYETTEVILLE STATE SCOUTING REPORT

Overall: Fayetteville State presents a strong, defensively-oriented team with a 21-7 overall record (13-3 conference). Their significant scoring margin (+13.8) indicates their ability to control games, primarily through their defense.

Offensive Breakdown:

• Scoring:
  • Fayetteville State averages 67.2 points per game.
  • Their field goal percentage is 40.0%, indicating moderate shooting efficiency.
  • They average 5.0 three-pointers per game, with a 26.5% three-point percentage, suggesting they are not primarily a three-point shooting team.
  • They capitalize on free-throw opportunities, shooting 68.9% from the line.
  • They average 20.5 points off of turnovers, showing they are very capable of capitalizing on opponent mistakes.
• Ball Movement:
  • They average 13.8 assists per game, showing they are capable of sharing the ball.
  • Their assist to turnover ratio is .9, meaning they almost have as many turnovers as assists.

Defensive Breakdown:

• Scoring Defense:
  • Their defense is a major strength, holding opponents to just 53.5 points per game.
  • Opponents shoot only 32.8% from the field, highlighting their defensive effectiveness.
• Rebounding:
  • They are strong on the boards, averaging 38.9 rebounds per game.
• Turnovers and Steals:
  • They excel at creating turnovers, forcing 21.1 turnovers per game.
  • They average a high 11.0 steals per game, indicating an aggressive defensive style.
• Blocks:
  • They also average 4.1 blocks per game, showing they have good rim protection.

Key Takeaways:

• Fayetteville State's defense is their primary strength, with a focus on creating turnovers and limiting opponent scoring.
• They are moderately efficient offensively, with a focus on capitalizing on opponent mistakes.
• They rebound well and are aggressive defensively.

Areas for Focus:

• Turnover Management: Protect the ball against their aggressive defense.
• Defensive Rebounding: Match their rebounding intensity.
• Limit Points off Turnovers: Do not give them easy scoring opportunities.
• Defensive Discipline: Limit easy scoring opportunities, and force them into tough shots.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Talia Trotter (#30):
  • She is the leading scorer for Fayetteville State, averaging 13.4 points per game.
  • She also contributes on the boards, averaging 3.9 rebounds per game.
  • She plays the most minutes on the team and was named All-CIAA.
• Keayna McLaughlin (#15):
  • McLaughlin is another key offensive player, averaging 11.1 points per game.
  • She is also a strong rebounder, averaging 4.8 rebounds per game.
  • Named the CIAA Championship Game MVP and honored on the All-Tournament Team.
• KaNyah O'Neal (#13):
  • She is very efficient from the field, with a 52% field goal percentage.
  • She scores 7.9 points per game.
  • Named to the CIAA All-Rookie Team.
• Nyah Wilkins (#21):
  • She is a strong rebounder, averaging 5.2 rebounds per game.
  • She also scores 7.4 points per game.
  • Named the CIAA Tournament MVP.
• Morgan Graham (#4):
  • She is known for her strong defensive skills, including shot-blocking and rebounding.
  • She is also a versatile player, that can score in the paint.
  • She is a very strong rebounder.
  • Her ability to secure both offensive and defensive boards is crucial for her team.
  • As a senior, she provides valuable leadership on and off the court.
  • She received CIAA honors.

NCAA REGIONAL PLAYOFFS

Fayetteville State's NCAA Division II Women's Basketball playoff history shows a pattern of consistent appearances, though primarily with early-round exits. Prior to their 2024 run, the Broncos had six previous berths, reaching the semi-finals twice, in 1997 and 2003, but never advancing further.
 
In the Broncos first regional appearance in 1997, FSU defeated Francis Marion in the South Atlantic Region 85-83. In 2003, as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Fayetteville State defeated Catawba 80-72.
 
Now, in 2024, they've broken through, winning their first two games to reach the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, setting a new program best. Heading into the tournament as the No.3 seed, FSU knocked off Indiana Pa., 72-63, and Fairmont State, 70-62, before their historic run came to an end against No. 1 Gannon (72-47).
 
This weekend marks the ninth appearance into the NCAA Regional Tournament for Fayetteville State.