GAME PREVIEW -- Fayetteville State vs Livingstone
** Women's Basketball
Date: Thursday
, February 12, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: Bronco Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets
Fayetteville State women's basketball returns to
Capel Arena looking to continue its impressive run through CIAA play as the Broncos prepare to host the Livingstone Blue Bears. With FSU standing at
16–3 overall and 10–2 in the CIAA, the Broncos are in prime position to strengthen their push toward a conference championship. Livingstone enters at
6–16 overall and 5–7 in league play, hoping to disrupt FSU's momentum and score a key road win.
Fayetteville State Broncos
The Broncos have established themselves as one of the top defensive units in the CIAA, allowing just 53.6 points per game, while producing a balanced, disciplined offensive attack. FSU's ball movement (14.9 assists per game) and defensive pressure (12 steals per game, 5.2 blocks per game) make them difficult to handle on their home floor. With depth, length, and chemistry, FSU thrives in Capel Arena, where its intensity on both ends often overwhelms opponents.
Top Players
- KaNyah O'Neal – 10.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.1 SPG - A two‑way spark plug, O'Neal sets the tone defensively and provides consistent scoring.
- Talia Trotter – 9.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.3 APG - One of the CIAA's top playmakers, Trotter orchestrates FSU's offense with poise and efficiency.
- Kelis Carmon – 6.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG - A tough inside presence who brings rebounding, shot blocking, and timely scoring.
- Taleah Stephens – 6.8 PPG, .521 FG% - A high‑efficiency scorer capable of changing momentum with her inside finishing.
Livingstone Blue Bears
Livingstone brings an energetic frontcourt and strong rebounding presence, averaging 45.2 boards per game, one of the top marks in the conference. While scoring consistency has been a challenge, the Blue Bears possess several double‑figure scorers who can heat up quickly. Their ability to win on the glass and extend possessions could help them stay competitive in a tough road environment.
Top Players
- Breasia Coit – 13.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG - A dominant double‑double force, Coit controls the paint and is the heart of LC's frontcourt.
- Nielle Reaves – 13.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG - A versatile scorer who excels off the dribble and can hit shots from deep (.347 3PT%).
- Jasiyah Crawford – 11.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG - Livingstone's workhorse guard who plays heavy minutes and creates offense.
- Ny'Asia Green – 10.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.1 APG - A dynamic facilitator who also provides disruptive perimeter defense.
What to Expect
Fayetteville State's defensive identity should set the tone at home, as the Broncos will look to disrupt Livingstone's guards and limit second‑chance scoring opportunities. Expect FSU to push tempo off defensive stops and rely on its balanced scoring core to generate high‑quality looks.
Livingstone will try to turn the game into a battle on the boards, where it averages 45.2 rebounds per game, including strong offensive rebounding from Coit and Reaves. If the Blue Bears can control the glass and slow down FSU's ball movement, they can keep the contest close.
But inside Capel Arena, the Broncos typically elevate their defensive pressure—averaging 12 steals and 5.2 blocks per game—making it difficult for opponents to establish offensive rhythm.
Keys to the Game
Fayetteville State
- Win the turnover battle: FSU thrives when its defense fuels offense.
- Control tempo: Keep the ball moving and force LC's defense into rotations.
- Attack early: Establish energy in Capel Arena and disrupt LC's rebounding rhythm.
Livingstone
- Dominate the boards: Their best path to an upset is through second‑chance points.
- Limit turnovers: LC averages 19.6 per game, a dangerous number against FSU's pressure.
- Contain O'Neal and Trotter: FSU's offense flows through its versatile backcourt.
Fayetteville State enters the game as the favorite, backed by one of the CIAA's strongest defensive units and a balanced offensive core. With home‑court energy behind them, the Broncos aim to extend their winning ways and remain among the conference's elite. Livingstone's rebounding and interior presence could create challenges, but FSU's depth, discipline, and defensive efficiency should give the Broncos a strong opportunity to protect Capel Arena.
