GAME PREVIEW -- Fayetteville State at Claflin
**Men's Basketball

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Tillis Arena, Orangeburg, SC
Broadcast: Panthers Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

Fayetteville State (18–6, 12–2 CIAA) travels to Orangeburg for a pivotal showdown with Claflin (14–9, 11–3 CIAA) in a matchup featuring two of the CIAA's top offensive units. With both teams boasting elite scorers, fast tempo, and physical interior play, the stage is set for a dynamic and potentially high-scoring affair.
  Fayetteville State Broncos (18–6, 12–2 CIAA)
The Broncos enter the contest averaging a conference‑best 89.7 points per game, led by explosive scoring from their veteran trio of Howell, Cannedy, and Aquino. Their ability to attack downhill, draw fouls, and score in transition has powered one of the most dangerous offenses in the CIAA. FSU's depth, athleticism, and efficiency from the free‑throw line make them a threat in any environment.

Top Players

• Larry Howell – 20.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG - The CIAA's most dominant scorer who controls the midrange and gets to the line at an elite rate.
• Ezekiel Cannedy – 18.3 PPG, .383 3PT - FSU's top perimeter threat whose shooting stretches defenses and sparks scoring runs.
• Romeo Aquino – 14.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG - A physical interior presence who finishes efficiently and protects the rim.
• Terrell Williams – 12.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 6.1 AST - A versatile forward who facilitates the offense and impacts every category.

Claflin Panthers (14–9, 11–3 CIAA)
Claflin counters with a strong offensive identity of its own, built around floor spacing, rebounding, and consistent three‑point shooting. The Panthers average nearly eight made threes per night and use their size and activity on the boards to generate second-chance points. With just one more conference loss than FSU, Claflin knows this game could tighten the battle for division positioning.

Top Players

• Ramere Draper – 12.8 PPG, .419 3PT - The Panthers' most consistent scorer and a dangerous outside shooter.
• Alex Atkinson – 12.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG - A double‑double threat who anchors Claflin's rebounding and interior scoring.
• Cristian Sanon – 10.3 PPG - A versatile guard who adds needed perimeter scoring and defensive energy.
• Horace Jacques Jr. – 10.3 PPG - A steady contributor who spaces the floor and creates matchup problems on the wing.

What to Expect

• A fast‑paced game featuring two of the conference's top scoring offenses.
• Heavy emphasis on three‑point shooting from Claflin, who averages 8.0 threes per game.
• Fayetteville State attacking the rim and drawing fouls, where they average an impressive 25.5 free throws per game.
• A competitive rebounding battle, with Claflin holding the season advantage but FSU possessing strong individual rebounders.
• Multiple scoring runs on both sides, with composure in late-game execution likely determining the outcome.

Keys to the Game
Fayetteville State

• Limit Claflin's perimeter shooting and close out effectively on ball reversal.
• Win the free‑throw battle by continuing to attack the basket and force foul trouble.
• Control defensive rebounds to prevent the Panthers from generating second-chance points.
• Maintain scoring balance and use Howell and Cannedy to dictate pace and momentum.

Claflin

• Knock down early threes to stretch the Broncos' defense and create driving lanes.
• Use rebounding advantage to create extra possessions and control tempo.
• Keep FSU off the free‑throw line, forcing them into more perimeter-heavy possessions.
• Pressure the ball early to disrupt rhythm and challenge entry passes to Howell and Aquino.

With both teams battling for top positioning in the CIAA, this matchup promises intensity, athleticism, and playoff-level energy. Fayetteville State's scoring firepower and efficiency at the line give the Broncos a strong chance to control the game, but Claflin's perimeter shooting and rebounding could make this a close and competitive finish. If FSU maintains composure, wins the paint, and limits Panther three‑point bursts, they'll be in position to secure a critical road victory. Expect a highly charged environment in Orangeburg and a matchup worthy of its implications.