Fayetteville State vs. Lincoln (PA) – Men's Basketball Game Preview
Date: January 12, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: Bronco Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets
Fayetteville State (8-6, 3-2 CIAA) heads into a pivotal conference match-up against Lincoln (PA) (7-10, 2-3 CIAA) in what promises to be a high-energy contest. The Broncos bring one of the CIAA's most explosive offenses, averaging
84.4 points per game, while the Lions counter with size and rebounding dominance, pulling down
40.4 boards per game. Both teams are looking to climb the standings and gain momentum as the season progresses.
Fayetteville State Overview
The Broncos have been an offensive juggernaut, scoring
84.4 points per game and shooting
43% from the field. They thrive at the free-throw line, converting 75.4%, and
lead the CIAA in blocks with 6.0 per game — ranking
second in NCAA Division II in blocks per game.
Larry Howell anchors the attack with
20.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, while
Ezekiel Cannedy adds
17.2 points and a reliable perimeter presence. Inside,
Romeo Aquino provides scoring and rim protection, averaging
13.1 points and 1.9 blocks. The Broncos will look to push the pace and capitalize on their depth, but rebounding remains a concern as they average
37.8 boards per game, nearly four fewer than their opponents.
Players to Watch
Lincoln (PA) Overview
Lincoln enters averaging
68.5 points per game and shooting
41.8% from the floor, but their strength lies in rebounding, where they hold a
+6.2 margin over opponents.
BJ Johnson Jr. leads the Lions with
14.5 points and 2.5 assists per game, while
Julius Olanrewaju adds
11.5 points and 5.3 rebounds.
Defensively, Lincoln blocks
4.8 shots per game and forces
7.4 steals, but turnovers have been costly—they average
18.1 per game, which could be a key factor against FSU's pressure defense.
Players to Watch
- BJ Johnson Jr. – 14.5 PPG, 2.5 AST; dynamic guard and offensive leader.
- Julius Olanrewaju – 11.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG; versatile forward.
- Ronald Bridges Jr. – 8.2 PPG, .525 FG%; efficient scorer in the paint.
- Amadou Fall – 6.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.4 BLK; rim protector and rebounder.
What to Expect
Expect Fayetteville State to push the tempo and attack Lincoln's defense in transition, while the Lions will aim to slow the game and dominate the boards. FSU's ability to handle Lincoln's size and limit second-chance points will be critical. Free throws could also play a major role, as the Broncos average nearly
25 made free throws per game, compared to Lincoln's
12.8.
Key Takeaways
- Tempo vs Size: FSU's fast-paced offense against Lincoln's rebounding advantage.
- Turnovers matter: Lincoln averages 18.1 per game; FSU will look to capitalize.
- Paint battle: Aquino vs Fall could decide rim protection and inside scoring.
- Free-throw edge: FSU's efficiency at the line gives them a late-game advantage.
Closing Summary
This match-up features contrasting styles—Fayetteville State's high-octane offense against Lincoln's physical rebounding and interior defense. If the Broncos can control the boards and force turnovers, they'll have the edge. For Lincoln, slowing the pace and limiting mistakes will be key to pulling off an upset in CIAA play.
