Game Information 
Opponent: Concord 
Date: Monday, Nov. 9 
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Carter Center | Athens, W.Va. 
Broadcast, Live Stats: fsubroncos.com/gameday

A new season begins for defending CIAA champion Fayetteville State on Monday night as the Broncos travel to West Virginia to face Concord University at the Carter Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. 

The matchup marks the season opener for both programs as Fayetteville State begins its quest to defend its conference title while Concord looks to build on another appearance in the Mountain East Conference Tournament semifinals. 

About Fayetteville State 

Fayetteville State enters the 2026-27 season as the preseason favorite in the CIAA after capturing the 2025-26 conference championship and finishing with a 23-7 overall record, including a 14-2 mark in league play. 

The Broncos defeated Bluefield State to claim the CIAA title before advancing to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional. Fayetteville State also landed two players on the CIAA Preseason All-Conference Team with returning guard Travon Cooper II and transfer Joseph Allen III earning recognition. 

With championship expectations surrounding the program, the Broncos will look to establish their identity early and continue the success that has made them one of the top programs in the region. 

About Concord 

Concord was selected to finish sixth in the Mountain East Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll after posting a 15-15 overall record and a 10-10 conference mark last season. 

Despite battling injuries throughout the 2025-26 campaign, the Mountain Lions advanced to the MEC Tournament semifinals for the fourth consecutive season. Concord reached the semifinals after defeating Wheeling in the conference quarterfinals and will look to build on that postseason success heading into the new year. 

Playing on their home floor, the Mountain Lions will be eager to start the season with a statement victory against one of the top teams in Division II basketball. 

Keys to the Game 

• Set the Defensive Tone - Fayetteville State's championship run was built on defense. The Broncos will look to establish that identity immediately by pressuring the basketball and limiting quality scoring opportunities. 

• Win the Battle on the Glass - Season openers are often decided by effort plays. Controlling rebounds and securing second-chance opportunities will be a major factor for both teams. 

• Handle Early-Season Execution - With both squads playing their first game of the season, minimizing turnovers and executing in half-court situations could prove decisive during key stretches. 

What to Expect 

Monday's matchup features two programs that enjoyed postseason success last season. Fayetteville State enters with the confidence of a conference champion, while Concord brings the familiarity and toughness of a team that has consistently competed near the top half of the MEC. 

Expect a physical contest with both teams working through early-season rotations while trying to establish momentum heading into the opening weeks of the season. 

Outlook 

Fayetteville State begins the year with high expectations after earning preseason favorite status in the CIAA. An early-season road test against a solid Concord squad provides the Broncos an opportunity to gauge their progress and begin building toward another conference championship run. For Concord, the game offers a chance to measure itself against one of Division II's top programs. 

For complete coverage of Fayetteville State men's basketball, visit FSUBroncos.com and follow the Broncos on social media.