FAYETTEVILLE, NC -- The Fayetteville State women's basketball team delivered one of its strongest defensive performances of the season Thursday night, overwhelming Livingstone 81–55 inside Capel Arena. The victory lifts the Broncos to 17-3 overall and 11-2 in the CIAA, keeping them firmly in the hunt for the top of the conference standings, while the Blue Bears fall to 6-18 and 5-8 in CIAA play.
Fayetteville State set the tone early and never looked back, holding Livingstone to just 12.5 percent from three-point range and 25.7 percent shooting overall. A total team effort carried the Broncos, who saw three players score in double figures, led by Talia Trotter with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists. Off the bench, Nevaeh Colon added 14 points and Samiyah Barker posted 11 points and seven rebounds, giving FSU excellent depth and balance.
On the glass, the Broncos were dominant, collecting 59 rebounds compared to Livingstone's 50. Nyah Wilkins controlled the interior with a team-high 15 rebounds, helping Fayetteville State generate 12 offensive boards that turned into valuable second‑chance points.
After briefly falling behind 2–0, Fayetteville State quickly found its rhythm. An 8–0 burst—capped by a finish from Taleah Stephens—pushed the Broncos ahead 8–2. By the end of the first quarter, FSU led 19–9, thanks largely to perimeter shooting. The Broncos knocked down four threes in the opening period, accounting for 12 of their points.
In the second quarter, the Broncos expanded their lead with relentless defensive pressure and contribution from the bench. After building a 32–20 advantage, FSU erupted on a 12–0 run in the final minutes of the half, stretching the margin to 44–20. Fourteen of the team's 25 second‑quarter points came from reserves, highlighting the depth that has made FSU difficult to match all season.
Fayetteville State continued dictating the game after halftime. A 6–0 third‑quarter run pushed the lead to 51–21, and although Livingstone mounted a brief response, the Broncos still entered the fourth quarter with a comfortable 63–35 lead. Again, the FSU bench played a major role, scoring 12 of the team's 19 points in the period.
The fourth quarter mirrored the rest of the night—strong defense, physical rebounding and efficient scoring. Another 6–0 run, punctuated by a Laila Lewis layup, stretched the margin to 81–48 with just over two minutes remaining. Livingstone closed the gap slightly, but the Broncos controlled the final moments and coasted to the finish line.
Fayetteville State returns to Capel Arena on Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 PM for Senior Day, honoring the program's graduating student‑athletes before taking the court for another key CIAA matchup against Johnson C. Smith.
