PEMBROKE, N.C. – Fayetteville State mounted a second-half comeback but came up just short in a 31-24 loss to UNC Pembroke in the annual Two Rivers Classic on Saturday evening at Grace P. Johnson Stadium.

Running back Caden Davis led the Broncos (0-2) with three rushing touchdowns, all from one yard out, including two in the third quarter that helped FSU close the gap to a single score. Despite the effort, UNC Pembroke (1-1) held firm in the fourth quarter, following an one-and-a-half hour weather delay, to preserve the win.

Quarterback Demari Daniels totaled 199 yards of offense for Fayetteville State, passing for 119 yards and rushing for 80. Wide receiver Unique Kelly was the top target, hauling in five catches for 85 yards.

UNC Pembroke quarterback Tre Robinson threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Que Kennedy in the first quarter and a 47-yard strike to Malik Brown in the second. Backup quarterback Marcus Martin added a third-quarter touchdown pass to Jaquan Albright, who finished with 105 receiving yards.

The Broncos' defense was led by Matthew Leach, who recorded 11 total tackles and a sack. Jamari Slade and Isaiah Boyd also contributed sacks, while Marcus Thompson recovered a fumble.

Fayetteville State outgained UNC Pembroke on the ground, rushing for 139 yards to the Braves' 144, but the Braves held the edge in total offense with 424 yards.

The game drew 6,257 fans and was played under sunny skies with temperatures reaching 90 degrees.

Fayetteville State travels to Durham, NC to play DI North Carolina Central next week and will look to bounce back from its early-season non-conference slate.