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

Date: Wednesday. January 21, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: New Trent Gym, Salisbury, NC
Broadcast: Blue Bears Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats

Fayetteville State returns to CIAA action on Wednesday as the Broncos travel to Salisbury for a matchup against the Livingstone Blue Bears. With FSU entering at 12–2 and surging near the top of the conference standings, the Blue Bears aim to defend their home floor and ride their improved offensive output and rebounding presence into a potential statement win. The contest features two of the CIAA's most active backcourts and a pair of teams capable of pushing the pace.

Fayetteville State (12–2, 6–1 CIAA)
The Broncos continue to demonstrate one of the most balanced statistical profiles in the conference. FSU carries an 11.6‑point scoring margin, a defense allowing only 55.4 points per game, and an offense built on ball movement—15.6 assists per game—and depth. The Broncos force nearly 18 turnovers per game, converting them into 19.7 points, and complement their pressure with strong interior defense (5.5 blocks per game) and rebounding (+2.4 margin).

With versatile scorers, a nationally ranked playmaker, and a deep rotation, Fayetteville State enters as a formidable road opponent.

Top Players

• KaNyah O'Neal – 11.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 3.3 SPG - A dynamic two-way guard whose anticipation and slashing ability ignite FSU's tempo.
• Talia Trotter – 9.1 PPG, 5.5 APG, 3.9 RPG, 2.1 SPG - The CIAA's assists leader and a top-10 national distributor who dictates pace with composure.
• Kelis Carmon – 8.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG - A steady, efficient forward who excels in physical matchups and protects the paint.
• Taleah Stephens – 7.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 54.9% FG - FSU's high‑efficiency finisher who brings energy around the rim and impacts both ends.

  Livingstone (4–13, 3–4 CIAA)

Livingstone enters with a new statistical identity—an improved rebounding force averaging 46.7 boards per game, giving them a +4.4 advantage over opponents. The Blue Bears score 66.4 points per game and rely heavily on a quartet of volume scorers who play heavy minutes and are capable of heating up from the perimeter. While they struggle with turnovers (20.3 per game), their balanced scoring and aggressive rebounding keep them competitive.

Top Players

• Breasia Coit – 13.1 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 2.5 SPG - A dominant double‑double machine who leads the team in scoring, rebounding, and steals.
• Nielle Reaves – 12.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 34% 3FG - A strong perimeter scorer with size and efficiency from deep.
• Jasiyah Crawford – 11.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 50 steals - A high‑motor guard who pressures passing lanes and extends possessions.
• Ny'Asia Green – 10.1 PPG, 82 rebounds, 30 assists - A versatile scorer who spaces the floor and provides backcourt stability.

What to Expect

• A pace-driven matchup, with both teams capable of pushing in transition and scoring quickly.
• Livingstone's rebounding strength will challenge FSU's discipline on the glass.
• FSU's defensive pressure could disrupt a Blue Bears team averaging 20.3 turnovers.
• Perimeter shooting will matter, as Livingstone averages 5.2 made threes per game.
• Bench production may swing momentum, with FSU possessing deeper rotational scoring.

Key Takeaways

• Fayetteville State holds the stronger defensive identity, allowing only 55.4 PPG.
• Livingstone's improved rebounding (+4.4 margin) gives them a key advantage to watch.
• Turnovers could define the game, as LC struggles with giveaways and FSU capitalizes on mistakes.
• FSU's balanced scoring provides multiple reliable options in late-game situations.
• Containing Coit and Reaves will be essential for controlling the Blue Bears' offensive rhythm.

Summary

Fayetteville State enters the matchup with momentum, defensive structure, and depth advantage, while Livingstone brings rebounding power and multiple scoring threats capable of keeping the game close. The Broncos' success will likely depend on limiting second‑chance opportunities, controlling pace through Trotter's leadership, and continuing their efficient team defense. If FSU executes its game plan and handles Livingstone's pressure on the glass, the Broncos will be well-positioned to secure another important CIAA road victory.