GAME PREVIEW - Fayetteville State Broncos vs. Winston-Salem State Rams
Men's Basketball**

Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: Bronco Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

Fayetteville State (12–6, 6–2 CIAA) hosts Winston-Salem State (7–9, 2–5 CIAA) in a rivalry matchup featuring two teams with contrasting rhythms and identities. The Broncos enter as one of the CIAA's most explosive offensive units, while the Rams rely on size, rebounding, and interior presence to control tempo. With both programs fighting for momentum heading into the second half of conference play, this meeting carries critical implications.
 
FAYETTEVILLE STATE BRONCOS (12–6, 6–2 CIAA)
Fayetteville State ranks among the CIAA's highest-scoring teams at 89.1 points per game, using efficient spacing, strong guard play, and versatile scoring options. The Broncos shoot 44.6% from the field and lead opponents in both free-throw attempts and percentage—an indicator of their attacking style.

Top Statistical Leaders

• Larry Howell (20.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, .447 FG) - Howell is one of the CIAA's premier scorers, combining strength and shot-making efficiency to anchor the Broncos' offense.
• Ezekiel Cannedy (18.0 PPG, .374 3PT) - Cannedy provides high-volume perimeter scoring and remains one of the league's most dangerous three-point threats.
• Romeo Aquino (13.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG) - Aquino brings a physical inside-out presence, contributing consistent rebounding and efficient finishing.
• Terrell Williams (13.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 6.2 APG) - Williams is Fayetteville State's most versatile playmaker, impacting scoring, rebounding, and distribution at a high level.

  WINSTON-SALEM STATE RAMS (7–9, 2–5 CIAA)
Winston-Salem State leans on its size, interior strength, and physical rebounding to dictate the pace. The Rams average 74.4 points per game and boast a strong +5.3 rebounding margin, giving them consistent second-chance scoring opportunities.

Top Statistical Leaders

• Tyre Boykin (19.7 PPG, .386 3PT) - Boykin is WSSU's go-to scoring threat, capable of creating his own shot and stretching the floor from deep.
• Khyelle Ingram (9.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG) - Ingram provides solid two-way production, giving the Rams a reliable mid-range scorer and rebounder.
• Abou Camara (8.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG, .616 FG) - Camara dominates the paint as one of the CIAA's top rebounders and most efficient interior finishers.
• Ethan English (8.6 PPG, .581 FG) - English provides efficient bench scoring with the ability to hit timely shots from the perimeter.

  WHAT TO EXPECT

• A fast-paced offensive battle, with FSU averaging 89 points and thriving in transition.
• A contrasting tempo, as WSSU will aim to slow the Broncos with half-court physicality.
• A major rebounding matchup, highlighted by Camara versus Howell and Aquino on the glass.
• Three-point shooting as a swing factor, with Cannedy and Boykin leading their teams from deep.
• Interior defense playing a huge role, as FSU's 5.6 blocks per game challenge the Rams' paint-focused offense.
• Key guard matchups that will determine ball movement and rhythm on both ends.

  KEY TAKEAWAYS

• FSU enters with the edge in overall scoring firepower, featuring four players averaging 13+ points.
• The Rams' rebounding advantage could slow FSU's pace, especially on second-chance opportunities.
• Turnovers may decide the outcome, with both teams hovering around 15 per game.
• Free throws favor the Broncos, who attempt 25.5 per game and shoot 75.5% from the line.
• Three-point defense will be critical, as WSSU allows 7.9 made threes per game.
• Expect another intense rivalry atmosphere, with momentum and conference positioning on the line.

  SUMMARY
Fayetteville State and Winston-Salem State meet in a compelling CIAA showdown featuring explosive guard play, dominant interior matchups, and contrasting tempos. The Broncos look to continue their offensive surge behind Howell, Cannedy, and Williams, while the Rams rely on their inside presence, rebounding, and Boykin's scoring to slow the game down. With rivalry energy and conference stakes in play, this matchup promises high intensity and highlight-worthy moments from start to finish.