Fayetteville State vs. Lincoln (PA) – Women's Basketball Game Preview

Date: January 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: Bronco Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

Fayetteville State (10-2, 4-1 CIAA) returns to conference play looking to extend its winning ways against Lincoln (PA) (3-13, 0-5 CIAA). The Broncos have been dominant on both ends of the floor, ranking among the CIAA leaders in scoring margin and defensive efficiency. Meanwhile, the Lions are searching for their first conference victory and will rely on their rebounding strength to challenge FSU's balanced attack. Fayetteville State Overview
The Broncos enter the matchup averaging 65.3 points per game while holding opponents to 55.1 points, thanks to a defense that forces nearly 20 turnovers per game and converts them into 19.2 points off turnovers. FSU shoots 40.2% from the field and ranks third in the league in blocks (5.8 per game).
Offensively, Fayetteville State thrives on ball movement, averaging 15.2 assists per game, led by point guard Talia Trotter. The Broncos also control the glass with 42.2 rebounds per game, giving them a slight edge over Lincoln.
 
Key Players to Watch

• KaNyah O'Neal – 11.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.6 STL; dynamic two-way guard who sets the tone defensively.
• Talia Trotter – 8.4 PPG, 5.3 AST; floor general and playmaker.
• Kelis Carmon – 7.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG; strong presence on the boards.
• Taleah Stephens – 7.2 PPG, .550 FG%; efficient scorer in the paint.

Lincoln (PA) Overview
The Lions have struggled offensively, averaging 54.9 points per game on 31.3% shooting, but they remain competitive on the boards with 40 rebounds per game. Lincoln's top scorer, Kaziah Akinniyi, provides a consistent scoring threat, while Riley Holliday anchors the paint with 7.0 rebounds per game.
Defensively, Lincoln averages 8.1 steals per game, but turnovers have been costly, as they commit 17.8 per contest. To stay in the game, the Lions will need to limit mistakes and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

Key Players to Watch

• Kaziah Akinniyi – 13.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG; primary scoring option.
• Hunter Conway – 8.0 PPG, 2.2 AST; reliable perimeter shooter (.545 3PT%).
• Riley Holliday – 7.0 RPG; key rebounder and defensive anchor.
• Anyia Gibson – 5.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG; physical presence inside.

What to Expect
Expect Fayetteville State to push the pace and apply defensive pressure early, forcing Lincoln into turnovers and creating transition opportunities. The Broncos' depth and balanced scoring should challenge Lincoln's defense, while the Lions will look to slow the game down and dominate the boards to stay competitive. Key Takeaways

• Turnovers will decide the game: FSU forces nearly 20 per game, while Lincoln averages 17.8.
• Battle on the boards: Lincoln's rebounding strength vs. FSU's athleticism.
• Perimeter shooting: FSU averages 5.8 threes per game; Lincoln needs Conway and Akinniyi to hit from deep.
• Bench depth favors FSU: Multiple scoring options give the Broncos an edge late.

Closing Summary
This matchup pits Fayetteville State's defensive intensity and balanced scoring against Lincoln's rebounding strength and determination to earn its first CIAA win. The Broncos will look to dictate tempo and capitalize on turnovers, while the Lions aim to slow the game and control the glass. With conference positioning on the line, expect a physical contest where execution in key moments—particularly in transition and on the boards—will determine the outcome.