GAME PREVIEW - FAYETTEVILLE STATE vs VIRGINIA UNION

Date: January 8, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: Bronco Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

Fayetteville State and Virginia Union enter January 8 as two of the CIAA's most complete and disciplined women's teams. Both squads defend at an elite level, rebound with purpose, and force turnovers at a high rate. With nearly identical scoring averages and strong early‑season momentum, this matchup has all the makings of a conference-defining battle.

FAYETTEVILLE STATE (8–2, 2–1 CIAA)
Balanced, Defensive, and Deep
The Broncos have built their success on defense, rebounding, and a committee‑style scoring approach. They allow just 56.8 points per game, force nearly 20 turnovers, and block an impressive 6.2 shots per game — one of the best marks in the league. Their depth and versatility make them difficult to scout and even harder to wear down.

Players to Watch — Broncos

• KaNyah O'Neal — G — 12.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.3 STL, .414 3PT FSU's leading scorer and top perimeter defender. O'Neal's ability to create turnovers and hit timely threes makes her the Broncos' most dynamic two-way threat.
• Talia Trotter — G — 8.5 PPG, 5.6 APG, 1.8 STL The floor general. Trotter's playmaking (team‑high 5.6 assists) and defensive instincts set the tone for FSU's offense and pressure schemes.
• Kelis Carmon — F — 7.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.1 BLK A physical interior presence who rebounds, defends, and finishes efficiently. Carmon anchors the paint on both ends.
• Taleah Stephens — F — 6.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, .532 FG% A high‑efficiency forward who gives FSU valuable scoring and energy off the bench.

VIRGINIA UNION (7–3, 2–1 CIAA)
Disciplined, Physical, and Built Around a Dominant Post Presence
The Panthers mirror FSU in many ways: tough defense, strong rebounding, and a deep rotation. They allow just 55.4 points per game, force 20.1 turnovers, and boast one of the CIAA's most dominant rebounders in Bruni Martinez. Their balance and defensive discipline make them a difficult matchup for any opponent.

Players to Watch — Panthers

• Bruni Martinez — F — 15.0 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.9 STL, .492 FG% One of the CIAA's premier players. Martinez controls the paint, rebounds at an elite level, and is VUU's most reliable scorer.
• Maya Robinson — G — 10.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, .387 3PT A smooth, efficient guard who can score at all three levels. Robinson's shooting stretches defenses and opens the floor for Martinez.
• Serenity Johnson — G — 8.4 PPG, 1.7 STL, .347 3PT A spark‑plug scorer and disruptive defender who thrives in transition.
• Deaishjah Somerville — F — 7.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.3 STL A versatile forward who contributes across the board and adds toughness inside.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Battle of the Bigs: Carmon & Stephens vs. Martinez Martinez is the most dominant rebounder in the CIAA. FSU's frontcourt must keep her off the glass.
• Turnover Pressure on Both Sides
  • FSU forces 11.4 steals per game
  • VUU forces 10.7 steals per game Expect a defensive chess match.
• Which Team Controls the Tempo? Both teams prefer a slower, half‑court style. Whoever dictates pace gains a major advantage.
• Three‑Point Shooting as a Swing Factor FSU shoots 28% from deep; VUU shoots 32%. One hot stretch could change the game.
• Point Guard Duel: Trotter vs. Robinson Two of the CIAA's best playmakers go head‑to‑head. Their decision‑making will shape the flow of the game.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• FSU's depth is a major strength The Broncos regularly play 10+ contributors, giving them fresh legs for 40 minutes.
• VUU's interior advantage is real Martinez alone can tilt the rebounding battle.
• Turnovers will determine momentum Both teams thrive on points off turnovers — whoever protects the ball wins the efficiency battle.
• FSU must finish at the rim Their 40.7% shooting must hold up against VUU's physical defense.
• Expect a low‑scoring, defensive grind Both teams allow under 57 points per game.

SUMMARY
Fayetteville State and Virginia Union enter this matchup as two of the CIAA's most complete and defensively disciplined women's teams. The Broncos rely on depth, balance, and disruptive defense, while the Panthers lean on the dominant interior presence of Bruni Martinez and efficient guard play from Maya Robinson.

The game will likely be decided by rebounding, turnovers, and which team can generate consistent offense in the half court.