CHARLOTTE, NC -- The Fayetteville State women's basketball team delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, using a dominant first quarter, timely three‑point shooting, and a 25‑point surge from the bench to secure a 74–64 road victory over Johnson C. Smith inside Brayboy Gymnasium. The win lifted the Broncos to 12–2 overall and 6–1 in CIAA play, strengthening their position near the top of the conference standings while showcasing the depth and discipline that continue to define their identity.
From the opening tip, Fayetteville State established control with pace, precision, and defensive pressure. The Broncos exploded for a 27–7 lead in the first period, attacking the paint with confidence and forcing the Golden Bulls into difficult looks. Fourteen of their early points came at the rim, while defensive rotations and ball pressure kept JCSU off balance. The statement opening frame set the tone for the rest of the afternoon: Fayetteville State played fast, connected, and with a level of balance that Johnson C. Smith struggled to answer.
Kelis Carmon led the Broncos with an efficient 15‑point performance on 5‑of‑8 shooting, blending interior strength with spot‑up accuracy from deep. Alivia Evans added 11 points and knocked down three of the team's 10 made three‑pointers, continuing her emergence as one of FSU's most reliable perimeter threats. Talia Trotter anchored the offense with nine points and seven assists, orchestrating the game with composure while pushing the tempo whenever opportunities appeared. KaNyah O'Neal added eight points, four assists, and a team‑high five rebounds, while Taleah Stephens chipped in six points to round out a balanced starting effort.
The bench, however, provided the afternoon's biggest storyline. Fayetteville State's reserves delivered 25 points, including nine from Nyah Wilkins and six from Samiyah Barker. Their impact was especially evident in the first and fourth quarters, where added energy and scoring helped preserve and extend the Broncos' control. Barker's timely three‑pointer capped a 10‑0 run early in the game, and her defensive activity—leading the team with two steals—sparked fast‑break opportunities.
While the offense shined from deep, shooting an impressive 38.5 percent from beyond the arc, Fayetteville State's defense was equally instrumental. The Broncos forced 15 turnovers and limited the Golden Bulls' perimeter success early, holding them without a made three during the opening quarter. Those turnovers converted into 21 points on the other end, a decisive element in a game where momentum occasionally shifted but never left the Broncos' hands.
Johnson C. Smith (6–9, 3–5 CIAA) was led by a strong performance from La'Niya Simes, who posted 17 points and six rebounds. Sabrina Lewis added 13 points off the bench, and Amya Graham contributed 11. Despite their efforts, the Golden Bulls never fully recovered from their early deficit, though they continued to battle throughout the second half, cutting into the lead but never drawing closer than single digits.
The Broncos' advantage reached 20 points in the third quarter, where they continued to punish JCSU's defensive rotations by connecting on three more three‑pointers. Even as the Golden Bulls made late pushes—outscoring Fayetteville State in the fourth—the Broncos remained composed, relying on free throws and disciplined ball movement to close out the win. By the final horn, Fayetteville State had assisted on 17 of its 23 made field goals, sharing the ball with an efficiency that has become central to its success.
The Broncos return to action on Wednesday, January 21, when they travel to Salisbury to take on Livingstone in another key CIAA matchup. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM.
