DURHAM, N.C. – Fayetteville State erased a double-digit first-half deficit and carried a lead into the final minutes before host NC Central held on for a 60-56 exhibition victory Monday evening at McDougald-McLendon Arena.
Playing its first game of the season against a Division I opponent, Fayetteville State showed resilience throughout the contest, overcoming an early 16-9 first-quarter deficit and trailing 29-23 at halftime before outscoring the Eagles 20-11 in the third quarter to take control.
The Broncos held a 43-40 advantage entering the fourth quarter and extended the lead to 48-42 following a three-pointer and transition basket from Ameya Brown.
NC Central answered with a late run behind Victoria Morris, who finished with a game-high 20 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. The Eagles regained the lead in the final two minutes and converted free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Fayetteville State was led by Samiyah Barker, who scored 14 points while adding four rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Ameya Brown provided an immediate spark off the bench with 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting, while Jahniya Marion added 11 points, including three three-pointers. Nyla Powell chipped in eight points and three rebounds.
The Broncos forced 31 NC Central turnovers and recorded 12 steals, converting those miscues into numerous scoring opportunities. Fayetteville State shot 36.7 percent from the field and connected on seven three-pointers in the contest.
Along with Morris, NC Central received nine points from Chloe Crawford and nine from Kenadi Banks. The Eagles controlled the glass, outrebounding Fayetteville State 47-26, including 16 offensive rebounds.
Despite the setback, the Broncos displayed the defensive intensity that fueled last season's success, holding the Eagles to 40 percent shooting while forcing more than 30 turnovers in their first game action of the year.
Fayetteville State will now turn its attention to the regular season as the Broncos travel to Shippensburg, PA, for the CIAA/PSAC Challenge hosted by Shippensburg University, where they will continue preparations for another run at a CIAA championship.
