GAME PREVIEW -- Fayetteville State vs Johnson C. Smith
** Women's Basketball

Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: Bronco Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

With momentum building late in the season, the Fayetteville State women's basketball team returns to Capel Arena on Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 PM for Senior Day, hosting Johnson C. Smith in a key CIAA showdown. The Broncos enter the matchup at 17-3 overall and 11-2 in the CIAA, while the Golden Bulls come in at 7-14 and 4-9 in conference play.

FSU's combination of elite defense, strong rebounding and balanced scoring has propelled them near the top of the league standings. Meanwhile, Johnson C. Smith features one of the CIAA's most productive frontcourt duos and remains a physical, rebounding-minded team looking to play spoiler.
 

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Fayetteville State
Fayetteville State enters the weekend with the CIAA's top scoring defense, holding opponents to just 53.7 points per game and only 30.8 percent shooting from the field. The Broncos' rotation features several all-conference caliber players, including a standout top four that drives their consistency on both ends of the floor.

Top Players

• Talia Trotter (10.2 PPG, 5.2 APG): The team's leading scorer and primary facilitator, averaging elite numbers as a two-way guard. She provides leadership, pace control and defensive presence with 2.1 steals per game.
• KaNyah O'Neal (10.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG): A dynamic wing scorer who shoots over 36 percent from three and creates turnovers at a high rate with 3.1 steals per contest.
• Kelis Carmon (6.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG): A versatile forward who rebounds well in traffic and provides rim protection, averaging 1.1 blocks per game.
• Alivia Evans (6.3 PPG): A strong shooter from deep and a reliable secondary scorer who stretches defenses and plays with high energy.

Supporting that core is a deep bench that contributes 41 points in some contests, helping FSU overwhelm teams in waves. The Broncos also own the rebounding advantage this season, grabbing 42.3 boards per game, with Nyah Wilkins (5.5 RPG) and Amina Miles (5.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG) adding impact in the paint.
 

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Johnson C. Smith
The Golden Bulls enter the matchup with a frontcourt that ranks among the CIAA's most productive. They average 38.6 rebounds per game, which will challenge FSU's interior depth.

Top Players

• La'niya Simes (11.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG): A double-double machine and the team's most dominant interior presence. She ranks among the CIAA's top rebounders.
• Salote Franklin (11.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG): Another physical forward who shoots 50 percent from the field and contributes nearly nine boards per game.
• Tameia Shaw (6.8 PPG): A quick guard who generates turnovers and pushes pace with 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
• Egypt Moore-Colman (4.0 PPG): A reliable rotational player who brings physicality, interior scoring and efficient rebounding.

While JCSU rebounds well, shooting remains their challenge. The Golden Bulls average 18.8 percent from three and 36.4 percent from the field, leaving them dependent on inside play and second‑chance points.
 

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What to Expect
Fans can expect a battle between FSU's elite perimeter defense and JCSU's interior strength. The Broncos' ability to create turnovers — 11.8 steals per game — will be crucial in disrupting the Golden Bulls' half-court rhythm.

Fayetteville State's offensive balance and depth are likely to challenge a JCSU team that averages nearly 20 turnovers per game. The Broncos will aim to push tempo, create fast‑break opportunities and use their deep rotation to wear down the Golden Bulls over four quarters.

Meanwhile, Johnson C. Smith will attempt to control the game through rebounding, post touches and limiting mistakes, hoping to keep pace with an FSU offense averaging over 66 points per contest.
 

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Keys to the Game
Fayetteville State must

• pressure the ball and limit JCSU's frontcourt touches
• convert turnovers into transition points
• maintain rebounding discipline against Simes and Franklin
• continue balanced scoring with contributions from both starters and bench

Johnson C. Smith will look to

• control the glass and create second‑chance opportunities
• slow the tempo and prevent FSU's transition game
• get big scoring nights from Simes and Franklin
• stay out of foul trouble against FSU's attacking guards

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Senior Day brings pride, emotion and an opportunity for Fayetteville State to honor its veterans while defending home court. With the postseason approaching, the Broncos aim to continue their strong defensive identity and balanced scoring against a JCSU team hungry for an upset.