GAME PREVIEW - Fayetteville State Broncos vs. Claflin Panthers
Men's Basketball

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: Bronco Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

Fayetteville State (13–6, 7–2 CIAA) returns to Capel Arena for a major Southern Division showdown against Claflin (10–7, 6–1 CIAA) in a matchup featuring two of the CIAA's most efficient and explosive offenses. The Broncos enter averaging 90.1 points per game, one of the top marks in the conference, while the Panthers come in winning six of their last seven behind balanced scoring and strong rebounding. With both teams pushing for position atop the division standings, Thursday night promises high tempo, physical play, and strong guard matchups in one of the week's most anticipated games.
  FAYETTEVILLE STATE BRONCOS (13–6, 7–2 CIAA)
The Broncos continue to ride one of the CIAA's most electric scoring attacks, powered by elite guard play and a frontcourt that finishes efficiently around the rim. FSU averages 90.1 points, shoots 44.5%, and gets to the free-throw line more than any team in the league with 25.3 attempts per game. Defensively, the Broncos add pressure with 5.7 blocks and 9.1 steals per game, giving them the ability to turn defense into instant offense.

Top Statistical Leaders

• Larry Howell (21.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG)
  Howell remains one of the CIAA's most dangerous scorers, capable of taking over games from all three levels on the floor.
• Ezekiel Cannedy (17.7 PPG, 38% 3PT)
  Cannedy stretches defenses with deep shooting range and hot scoring bursts that quickly shift momentum.
• Romeo Aquino (13.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 BPG)
  Aquino brings a physical presence in the paint, giving the Broncos consistent rebounding and shot-blocking impact.
• Terrell Williams (13.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.5 APG)
  Williams is the team's most versatile playmaker, affecting the game with scoring, rebounding, and high-level distribution.

CLAFLIN PANTHERS (10–7, 6–1 CIAA)
Claflin enters with strong momentum, owning one of the CIAA's most balanced scoring offenses and a rebounding unit that generates second-chance opportunities. The Panthers average 79.6 points, shoot 44.3% from the floor, and boast a +1.6 rebounding margin, while also hitting over 8 threes per game, making them a consistent perimeter threat. Their guard-led attack and physical interior play create challenges for opposing defenses.

Top Statistical Leaders

• Ramere Draper (12.3 PPG, 42.2% 3PT)
  Draper gives Claflin a reliable scoring option with sharpshooting ability from deep.
• Alex Atkinson (12.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG)
  Atkinson controls the interior with physical rebounding and high-efficiency finishing.
• Horace Jacques Jr. (10.1 PPG, 39.5% 3PT)
  Jacques provides strong perimeter scoring that balances Claflin's offensive attack.
• Cristian Sanon (9.7 PPG)
  Sanon adds athleticism and energy as a versatile wing scorer.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• A fast-paced offensive battle, with two high-scoring teams capable of hitting runs quickly.
• A major rebounding matchup, featuring Atkinson and Jacques vs. Howell, Aquino, and Williams.
• Three-point shooting as a key swing factor, with both teams hitting better than 38% from deep in recent games.
• Physical guard play, as Cannedy and Draper set the tone early on the perimeter.
• Interior defense spotlight, with Aquino and FSU's shot-blocking core challenging Claflin's paint touches.
• Late-game execution, as both teams rely heavily on their starting lineups in tight contests.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• FSU has the scoring advantage at over 90 points per game.
• Claflin enters with strong momentum, winning six of its last seven.
• Rebounding could dictate tempo, especially on long defensive possessions.
• Turnovers should play a major role, as both teams average more than 14 per game.
• Fayetteville State owns the defensive playmaking edge, with more blocks and steals per contest.

SUMMARY
Thursday night's contest between Fayetteville State and Claflin brings together two potent offenses with the ability to score in waves and generate highlight plays on both ends of the floor. The Broncos lean on elite scoring, size, and dynamic guard play, while Claflin counters with efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and consistent backcourt production. With both teams jockeying for position in a tight CIAA Southern Division race, this matchup has the makings of a high-intensity, tightly contested conference battle inside Capel Arena.