Game Preview: Fayetteville State Broncos vs. Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls
Women's Basketball**

Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Brayboy Gymnasium, Charlotte, NC
Broadcast: Golden Bulls Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

Fayetteville State continues its impressive start to the season as the Broncos prepare to travel to Johnson C. Smith in a key CIAA matchup between two teams trending upward. With an 11–2 overall record and a 5–1 mark in conference play, FSU has established itself as one of the league's most complete and balanced squads. The Broncos combine disciplined defense, deep rotational scoring, and one of the CIAA's strongest assist‑to‑offense identities.

Fayetteville State

Fayetteville State enters the contest with a scoring margin nearing +12, holding opponents to just 54.7 points per game while forcing over 20 turnovers nightly. The Broncos' defensive pressure—powered by 12.5 steals and 5.8 blocks per game—regularly alters the pace of games. Their offensive balance is equally noteworthy, led by the versatility of KaNyah O'Neal and the all‑around playmaking of Talia Trotter. Multiple contributors provide consistent scoring, rebounding, and energy, giving the team a depth advantage few CIAA opponents can match.

Players to Watch

• KaNyah O'Neal – 11.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.5 steals; the Broncos' most dynamic two‑way catalyst.
• Talia Trotter – 9.1 points, 5.4 assists; the floor general who controls tempo and sets the tone offensively.
• Kelis Carmon – 7.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.0 block; a strong post defender and efficient interior scorer.
• Taleah Stephens – 7.2 points at 55 percent shooting; a high‑efficiency spark with a growing role.

Johnson C. Smith

Johnson C. Smith arrives at 6–8 overall and 3–3 in the CIAA with a gritty, defensive‑minded identity of its own. Despite modest scoring numbers, the Golden Bulls thrive on rebounding and physical play, holding a +5.4 margin on the glass—one of the best in the league. While JCSU has struggled from three‑point range, shooting just 17.6 percent as a team, they compensate with interior scoring, second‑chance opportunities, and pressure defense that generates over 11 steals per game. Their ability to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers makes them competitive in every matchup.

Players to Watch

• La'niya Simes – 12.1 points, 9.5 rebounds; one of the top rebounders in the CIAA with a strong inside presence.
• Salote Franklin – 10.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.0 block; a physical frontcourt partner creating a dominant rebounding duo.
• Tameia Shaw – 7.9 points, 2.2 assists, 2.1 steals; a disruptive guard who pressures ball handlers.
• Nyasia James – 3.3 points, 2.6 assists; a steady perimeter presence who helps facilitate the offense.

What to Expect

• A defensive battle, as both teams rank among the CIAA's best in steals and turnover creation, combining for nearly 24 steals per game.
• Rebounding wars inside, featuring Simes and Franklin for JCSU against O'Neal, Carmon, and Wilkins for FSU.
• Tempo controlled by Fayetteville State, with the Broncos averaging over 15 assists per game and thriving in structured, balanced offense.
• Johnson C. Smith leaning heavily on interior scoring, given their struggles from the perimeter but strength in second‑chance points.
• Multiple lead changes early, before depth and defensive execution determine separation in the second half.

Key Takeaways

• Fayetteville State holds the statistical edge, leading significantly in scoring margin, shooting percentage defense, assists, steals, and blocks.
• Johnson C. Smith's rebounding could keep them in the game, as FSU has succeeded but not dominated on the glass, making this a potential equalizer.
• Turnovers matter, with both teams averaging more than 18 per game; whichever side limits mistakes may control momentum.
• Bench depth favors the Broncos, who have multiple players averaging between 4–8 points and contributing across the stat sheet.
• FSU's defensive pressure can swing the matchup, especially if the Golden Bulls continue to struggle from deep.

Summary
The upcoming matchup between Fayetteville State and Johnson C. Smith features two teams with different strengths but similar competitive fire. The Broncos bring one of the CIAA's most complete statistical profiles into the contest—efficient offense, disciplined ball movement, and elite defensive pressure supported by depth at every position. Meanwhile, the Golden Bulls counter with a rugged, interior‑focused approach led by one of the most formidable rebounding duos in the conference.

If Fayetteville State can dictate pace, convert turnovers into points, and continue distributing the ball at a high level, the Broncos will be well‑positioned to add another conference win. However, if Johnson C. Smith imposes its physical style and controls the boards, the Golden Bulls have the tools to turn this into a tight, grind‑it‑out battle.

Either way, fans can expect a competitive and well‑contested CIAA matchup between two proud programs continuing to chase momentum deep into January.