FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville State clawed back from multiple double‑digit deficits and delivered a resilient second‑half surge to defeat Claflin 82–80 on Thursday night in Capel Arena. With the win, the Broncos improve to 14–6 overall and 8–2 in the CIAA, while the Panthers fall to 9–8 and 7–2 in league play.
Ezekiel Cannedy powered the FSU offense with a game‑high 19 points, while Romeo Aquino turned in an efficient 18‑point, seven‑rebound, two‑block performance. Travon Cooper added 16 points, six rebounds and three blocks, helping anchor a defensive effort that tallied eight total blocks. Fayetteville State's bench also played a decisive role, contributing 25 points, including several vital second‑half minutes.
Terrell Williams was a force on the glass, grabbing 18 total rebounds—seven of them offensive—as the Broncos dominated the boards with a 58–45 advantage. Their 26 offensive rebounds led directly to 21 second‑chance points, a margin that ultimately swung the game. Defensively, FSU forced 17 Panther turnovers and converted them into 16 points, highlighted by Darius Boben's two steals.
Claflin's Cristian Sanon led the Panthers with 18 points on 5-of-10 shooting from deep. Horaces Jacques Jr. added 14 points off the bench, while Alex Atkinson posted a double‑double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Claflin controlled much of the first half, building a 36–26 lead before the Broncos responded with a 7–0 run sparked by improved ball pressure and back‑to‑back baskets attacking the rim. Still, the Panthers regained momentum and entered the break with a 43–37 advantage.
The Panthers stretched their lead to 61–52 early in the second half, but once again Fayetteville State refused to fold. A 7–0 burst brought the Broncos within two, and the teams traded punches deep into the closing minutes. Fayetteville State finally surged ahead late, taking its first lead of the night when Romeo Aquino buried a clutch three‑pointer with 1:45 remaining, putting the Broncos in front 78-76. Claflin briefly responded, but the Broncos had the final answer. With the game tied in the closing seconds, Travon Cooper crashed the glass for a dramatic tip‑in with 1.4 seconds left, sealing the 82–80 comeback victory and igniting the Capel Arena crowd.
With inclement weather expected, the game against Shaw has been rescheduled to Monday, February 9 at 8 p.m., and the Broncos' next game is set for February 7 at Winston‑Salem State with a 4 p.m. tip-off.
