FAYETTEVILLE, NC --Fayetteville State women's basketball continued its winning ways on Saturday afternoon, defeating Bowie State 65-53 inside Capel Arena. The victory improves the Broncos to 10-2 overall and 4-1 in CIAA play, while the Bulldogs fall to 8-6 and 1-4 in the conference.

The Broncos leaned on depth and defense to secure the win, getting 29 points from the bench and forcing 19 Bowie State turnovers. Fayetteville State also dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Bulldogs 48-39, including 16 offensive boards that led to 12 second-chance points.

KaNyah O'Neal filled the stat sheet for Fayetteville State, finishing with five points, nine rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Taleah Stephens led all Broncos scorers with 15 points and three blocks, while Nyah Wilkins controlled the paint with a game-high 10 rebounds. Off the bench, Nevaeh Colon added nine points on efficient shooting.

For Bowie State, Malaka Cobb was sensational despite the loss, pouring in 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including four three-pointers. Hannah Wilkerson and Afia Owusu-Mensah chipped in six points apiece for the Bulldogs.

The game opened with a back-and-forth first quarter, tied at 15-15 after 10 minutes. Fayetteville State found its rhythm in the second period, using an 11-0 run to turn a 22-17 deficit into a 28-22 lead. The Broncos went into halftime up 28-24.

After the break, Fayetteville State extended its advantage with an 8-0 spurt midway through the third, pushing the lead to 42-29. The Broncos scored 16 of their 21 third-quarter points in the paint, entering the final frame ahead 49-40.

In the fourth, Fayetteville State sealed the win with another 8-0 run, capped by a Stephens layup, to make it 65-48 with 1:29 remaining. Bowie State trimmed the margin late, but the Broncos never relinquished control, cruising to their fourth CIAA victory.

The Broncos will look to keep their momentum rolling when they host Lincoln (Pa.) on Monday, January 12 at 6 p.m. inside Capel Arena.