ATHENS, W.Va. – Fayetteville State men's basketball opened the 2026-27 season Monday night with a hard-fought 80-76 road loss to Concord at the Carter Center.  

The Broncos jumped out to an early 14-3 advantage behind the hot shooting of Kenneth Brayboy, who connected on two three-pointers and powered Fayetteville State's strong start.  

Concord responded with a steady rally throughout the remainder of the opening half, using a coordinated offensive attack to erase the deficit and take a 41-38 lead into halftime.  

The Mountain Lions maintained control for much of the second half, building their lead to as many as 15 points before the Broncos mounted a late charge. Fayetteville State cut the deficit to four points on multiple occasions in the final three minutes, but Concord converted key free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.  

Kenneth Brayboy led the Broncos with 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two blocked shots in his Fayetteville State debut. Joseph Allen added 13 points, three rebounds, three steals, and a block, while Tyler Gill finished with 11 points, seven assists, four steals, and three rebounds.  

Dane Stewart contributed 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers, and Chandler Kennedy provided a spark off the bench with eight points and four steals. Miles Whye added seven points and a team-high eight rebounds.  

Despite the loss, Fayetteville State's defense forced 20 turnovers and collected 14 steals. The Broncos converted those opportunities into 21 points off turnovers while shooting 32-of-47 from the free-throw line.  

Concord was paced by Kam Bender, who scored a game-high 22 points. Kody Frey added 21 points and nine rebounds, while Keenan Gray chipped in 15 points as the Mountain Lions improved to 1-0 on the season.  

Fayetteville State (0-1) will continue its season-opening road trip this weekend when the Broncos travel to Institute, W.Va., to compete in the Earl Lloyd Classic hosted by West Virginia State. The Broncos will return to action Friday, Nov. 13.  

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