GAME PREVIEW - Fayetteville State Broncos at Livingstone Blue Bears
Men's Basketball**

Date: Wednesday. January 21, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: New Trent Gym, Salisbury, NC
Broadcast: Blue Bears Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats

Fayetteville State heads to Salisbury for a pivotal CIAA road test against Livingstone, bringing one of the league's most explosive offenses into a building where the Blue Bears have shown grit and rim protection. The Broncos (11–6, 5–2 CIAA) are riding strong guard play and elite free-throw production, while Livingstone (7–10, 3–4 CIAA) leans on a defense that blocks shots and a guard line that can get hot from distance. Pace, turnovers, and second‑chance points should define a matchup that traditionally delivers late‑game drama. Fayetteville State (11–6, 5–2 CIAA)
FSU enters averaging 88.6 points per game with .446 shooting from the field and a decisive edge at the stripe (25.8 made free throws per game at .753). The Broncos pressure the paint and protect their own rim (5.5 blocks per game) but must manage the glass where opponents hold a +3.1 edge. Balanced scoring and a top‑tier trio—Howell, Cannedy, and Aquino—have powered recent wins, while Terrell Williams' return adds playmaking and rebounding stability to the backcourt.

Top Players

• Larry Howell – 21.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, .396 3FG, .855 FT - Three‑level scorer who gets to the line and stretches bigs with pick‑and‑pop range.
• Ezekiel Cannedy – 18.4 PPG, 1.6 APG, .377 3FG - High‑volume shotmaker who spaces the floor and punishes late rotations.
• Romeo Aquino – 13.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.6 BPG, .481 FG - Physical interior finisher and rim protector who tilts the paint battle.
• Terrell Williams – 12.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 6.4 APG - Do‑it‑all guard; initiates offense, rebounds in traffic, and defends multiple spots.

Livingstone (7–10, 3–4 CIAA)
The Blue Bears score 69.4 points per game and rely on defensive activity to stay within striking distance: 4.8 blocks per game and a slight rebounding deficit of only –1.0. Livingstone shoots .342 from three and has multiple wings who can create off the bounce. Their challenge has been ball security (16.2 turnovers per game) and generating consistent assists (9.7 per game) against pressure.

Top Players

• James Nipper – 13.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, .333 3FG - Primary scorer who can get downhill and hit timely threes.
• Kenneth Tyree Jr. – 12.2 PPG, .371 3FG, 1.3 SPG - Streaky perimeter threat; capable of quick 8–10 point bursts in a half.
• Omarion Bodrick – 7.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG - High‑motor forward and elite shot‑blocker who anchors the glass and rim defense.
• Jacob Hukins Jr. – 8.0 PPG, .345 3FG - Stretch option who pulls bigs away from the basket and opens driving angles.

What to Expect

• Tempo tug‑of‑war: FSU thrives at 88.6 PPG; Livingstone will try to grind possessions and protect the rim.
• Free‑throw factor: Broncos own a major edge at the line (438–582 on the year); late‑game fouls could decide it.
• Paint and protection: Aquino/Howell vs. Bodrick at the rim; both teams average 4.8+ blocks combined.
• Perimeter swing line: FSU (.346) vs. LC (.342) from three—whichever side finds rhythm first may control runs.
• Turnover margin: LC's 16.2 TOs vs. FSU's 17.8 points off turnovers could create separation.

Key Takeaways

• Broncos bring superior scoring efficiency and volume, with more free throws and overall points per game.
• Livingstone's rim defense can disrupt FSU's drives, demanding purposeful spacing and kick‑outs.
• Glass matters: FSU's –3.1 margin must be managed to limit LC second chances.
• Star power favors FSU: Howell/Cannedy/Aquino/Williams combine scoring, facilitation, and rim pressure.
• If FSU wins the foul line and turnover battles, the Broncos are positioned to close on the road.

Summary
Fayetteville State arrives in Salisbury with one of the CIAA's most potent offenses, a reliable free‑throw advantage, and multiple creators who can punish mismatches. Livingstone counters with shot‑blocking, competitive rebounding, and a trio of guards/wings that can heat up from the arc. Expect Livingstone to protect the paint and slow tempo, forcing the Broncos to win with spacing, ball movement, and second‑effort plays. If FSU limits turnovers, controls late‑game free throws, and balances paint touches with perimeter looks, the Broncos have the tools to secure another key road win.