WEST VIRGINIA, WV– The Fayetteville State University men's basketball team is in the West Virginia mountains for a thrilling quarterfinal match-up against Fairmont State University in the NCAA DII Regional playoff at ASRC on the campus of West Liberty University. The game is set to take place on Saturday, March 15th, at 8:30 PM. Both teams have had impressive seasons and will be looking to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Fayetteville State Broncos
The Fayetteville State Broncos, under the leadership of Head Coach
Luke D'Alessio, have had an impressive season with a record of 22-8 overall and 12-4 in the CIAA. Known for their resilience and depth, the Broncos have consistently demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion, with multiple players stepping up in crucial moments. This combination of strong leadership and team depth has been a key factor in their success this season.
Key Players
- Tairell Fletcher (#00): Fletcher is a key scorer, averaging 17.5 points per game with a three-point percentage of .403. His playmaking ability is highlighted by his 4.5 assists per game.
- Caleb Simmons (#01): Simmons is a dominant force on the boards, averaging 9.3 rebounds per game. He also contributes 16.8 points per game with a field goal percentage of .502.
- Ezekiel Cannedy (#11): Cannedy is a reliable free-throw shooter at .885 and averages 15.9 points per game. His three-point shooting at .337 adds to his scoring versatility.
- Myles Pierre (#15): Pierre is efficient from beyond the arc with a three-point percentage of .500 and contributes 9.4 points per game. His free-throw percentage of .894 makes him a reliable scorer.
- Javon Floyd (#22): Floyd is a strong presence in the paint, averaging 4.6 rebounds per game and contributing defensively with 1.3 blocks per game.
Team Strengths
- Scoring Efficiency: Fayetteville State averages 77.3 points per game, with a solid field goal percentage of .459 and an impressive three-point percentage of .383.
- Rebounding: They dominate the boards with 36.5 rebounds per game, maintaining a rebounding margin of +5.2 over their opponents.
- Defense: The team allows only 65.8 points per game, showcasing their strong defensive capabilities.
Fairmont State Falcons
The Fairmont State Falcons, led by Head Coach Tom Koenig, have had an impressive season, boasting a record of 27-4. Known for their high-scoring offense, the team averages 85.6 points per game and has demonstrated strong ball movement with 14.8 assists per game. Their ability to force turnovers, with a turnover margin of +2.8, has been a key factor in their success.
Key Players
- David Jolinder (#03): Jolinder averages 15.8 points per game with a field goal percentage of .507. He also contributes 6.5 rebounds per game, making him a key player in both scoring and rebounding.
- Andre Harris (#00): Harris is efficient in scoring with 14.5 points per game and a field goal percentage of .515. He also adds 6.2 rebounds per game.
- Rudy Fitzgibbons (#01): Fitzgibbons is a reliable free-throw shooter at .859 and averages 11.8 points per game. His three-point shooting at .365 is also noteworthy.
- Taj Thweatt (#10): Thweatt contributes 11.8 points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game. His defensive skills are highlighted by his 1.1 steals per game.
Team Strengths
- High-Scoring Offense: Fairmont State averages 85.6 points per game, with a field goal percentage of .472. They also make 9.9 three-pointers per game.
- Turnover Margin: They excel in forcing turnovers, with a turnover margin of +2.8 and scoring 20.7 points off turnovers per game.
- Assists: Fairmont State averages 14.8 assists per game, indicating strong ball movement and teamwork.
Team Comparison
| Statistic |
Fayetteville State |
Fairmont State |
| Record |
22-8 |
27-4 |
| Points Per Game |
77.3 |
85.6 |
| Field Goal Percentage |
.459 |
.472 |
| Three-Point Percentage |
.383 |
.343 |
| Free Throw Percentage |
.796 |
.758 |
| Rebounds Per Game |
36.5 |
36.0 |
| Assists Per Game |
11.2 |
14.8 |
| Turnovers Per Game |
11.2 |
12.7 |
| Steals Per Game |
6.8 |
9.6 |
| Blocks Per Game |
3.1 |
2.3 |
Key Matchups
- Tairell Fletcher (Fayetteville State) vs. David Jolinder (Fairmont State): Fletcher, averaging 17.5 points per game, will be a focal point for Fairmont State's defense. Jolinder's ability to score and rebound will be crucial in countering Fletcher's impact.
- Caleb Simmons (Fayetteville State) vs. Andre Harris (Fairmont State): Simmons, with 16.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, will need to match up well against Harris, who averages 14.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. This battle in the paint will be key.
- Ezekiel Cannedy (Fayetteville State) vs. Rudy Fitzgibbons (Fairmont State): Cannedy's scoring versatility and free-throw reliability will be tested against Fitzgibbons' three-point shooting and playmaking abilities.
- Myles Pierre (Fayetteville State) vs. Fairmont State's Three-Point Shooters: Pierre's efficiency from beyond the arc will be crucial in countering Fairmont State's three-point threats.
- Javon Floyd (Fayetteville State) vs. Taj Thweatt (Fairmont State): Floyd's presence in the paint and his defensive contributions will be key in battling Thweatt, who is also a strong rebounder and defender.
What to Watch For
- Shooting Battle: Both teams are efficient shooters, but Fairmont State's higher scoring average and three-point shooting could be a deciding factor.
- Rebounding Duel: Fayetteville State's rebounding strength will be tested against Fairmont State's solid rebounding numbers. Watch for key rebounds that could shift momentum.
- Turnover Impact: Fairmont State's ability to force turnovers and convert them into points will be crucial. Fayetteville State needs to protect the ball to stay competitive.
How to Follow
Fans can follow the action live on the Fayetteville State Athletics website,
fsubroncos.com/gameday. Live stats and updates will also be available on social media.
Get ready for an exciting match-up as the Broncos and Falcons battle for a spot in the NCAA DII Regional Semi-finals!
