SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Jahniya Marion scored a game-high 20 points, but Fayetteville State came up just short in its season opener, falling 63-60 to Shippensburg Friday evening at Heiges Field House as part of the CIAA/PSAC Challenge.
The Broncos (0-1) showed resilience throughout the contest, overcoming a five-point halftime deficit and using a dominant third quarter to build a four-point lead entering the final period. Marion led Fayetteville State's offensive effort, shooting 8-for-13 from the field while adding three rebounds. Ar'Mani Reid contributed 11 points, and Samiyah Barker added 10 points, two assists, two steals, and connected on five free throws.
After trailing 31-26 at halftime, Fayetteville State turned up its defensive pressure in the third quarter. The Broncos forced numerous turnovers and outscored the Raiders 19-10 in the period, fueled by transition baskets from Marion, Barker, and Zaria Gool. A late layup by Marion gave Fayetteville State a 45-41 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
The final period featured multiple lead changes and three ties. Fayetteville State extended its lead to six points early in the quarter before Shippensburg responded with a 10-3 run to knot the score at 50-50. The Raiders eventually regained control behind the play of Michelle Olak, who finished with a team-high 17 points and eight rebounds, and Rylee Kraft, who added 15 points.
The Broncos continued to battle down the stretch. A jumper and layup from Marion cut the deficit to two points in the final minute, but Shippensburg converted enough free throws late to secure the victory. Fayetteville State outscored the Raiders 34-32 in the second half and forced 24 turnovers while collecting 15 steals, but Shippensburg held a 40-29 advantage on the boards.
Along with Marion's 20-point performance, Nyla Powell finished with seven points and a team-high six rebounds, while Kariana Lee dished out three assists.
Up Next: Bloomsburg Preview
Fayetteville State will close out the CIAA/PSAC Challenge on Saturday against Bloomsburg, a squad that also enters the matchup looking for its first win of the season after a narrow 60-57 loss to Shaw on Friday.
The Huskies showed their ability to control stretches of the game, leading by as many as 10 points and carrying a five-point advantage into the fourth quarter before Shaw rallied late. Lex Ferguson paced Bloomsburg with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Kelly Leszcynski added 13 points, four assists, three steals, and four three-pointers. Maddison Maynard also contributed 11 points and a team-high nine rebounds.
Saturday's contest could feature two teams eager to bounce back from close opening-night defeats. Fayetteville State forced 24 turnovers and recorded 15 steals against Shippensburg, while Bloomsburg demonstrated the ability to score from the perimeter with Leszcynski leading a balanced offensive attack.
Keys to the Game
- Continue generating transition opportunities from defensive pressure after forcing 24 turnovers against Shippensburg.
- Limit Bloomsburg's three-point shooting, particularly Leszcynski, who connected on four triples in the opener.
- Win the battle on the glass after being outrebounded 40-29 in Friday's contest against Shippensburg.
- Build on the scoring production of Jahniya Marion, who opened the season with 20 points against Shippensburg.
Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Fans can follow the action and stay updated throughout the season by visiting fsubroncos.com and following Fayetteville State Athletics on social media.
