ORANGEBURG, SC -- Fayetteville State used a dominant defensive effort on the perimeter and a balanced offensive attack to secure a 91–78 win over Claflin on Wednesday night at Tullis Arena. In front of 450 fans, the Broncos frustrated the Panthers from three‑point range and controlled the final minutes to stay atop the CIAA standings. FSU improves to 19–6 overall and 13–2 in the CIAA, while Claflin drops to 13–10 and 11–4.
Fayetteville State's game plan centered around taking away Claflin's perimeter game, and the execution was nearly flawless. The Panthers were held to 5-for-25 from beyond the arc (20 percent), including just 1-for-11 in the second half, removing a major piece of their offensive identity. The defensive discipline also forced 17 Claflin turnovers, which the Broncos converted into 15 points.
Offensively, FSU showcased its depth and efficiency. Larry Howell led all scorers with 26 points on 8-of-12 shooting, adding seven rebounds and two steals while going 10-of-12 from the free‑throw line. Terrell Williams delivered a dominant two-way performance, finishing with 18 points, a game‑high 14 rebounds, and three assists, marking a double‑double that anchored the Broncos on both ends. Darius Boben added 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting with three steals, and Travon Cooper contributed 10 points, giving the Broncos four players in double figures. As a team, FSU shot 49 percent from the field, scored 46 points in the paint, and racked up 33 fast-break points, a major difference‑maker as the game progressed.
Claflin had four players score in double digits, led by Alex Atkinson, who posted 15 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. Cristian Sanon added 14 points and four steals, while Braylon Jackson scored 13 and Ramere Draper added nine. Despite 17 second‑chance points and balanced scoring, the Panthers were unable to overcome their perimeter struggles and the Broncos' defensive pressure.
Fayetteville State opened strong with a 6–0 run capped by a finish from Cooper and maintained an edge throughout much of the first half. The Broncos' ability to attack the lane consistently resulted in 24 first‑half points in the paint and a 48–44 halftime lead. Claflin made several pushes, but each time, FSU responded with poise, defensive stops, and timely baskets.
The Panthers trimmed the deficit to 84–78 late in the second half, but the Broncos closed the game with a decisive 7–0 burst, fueled by fast‑break opportunities and composed late‑game execution. With 25 seconds remaining, FSU extended the lead to 91–78, sealing a victory that included six lead changes and eight ties but ended with the Broncos firmly in control.
Fayetteville State's production extended well beyond its starters, with 20 points from the bench, nine assists, and 15 points off turnovers. The Broncos also shot 23-of-31 from the line while holding Claflin to 39.4 percent shooting for the game.
With postseason play approaching, Fayetteville State will now head to Raleigh, N.C., to face Shaw on Saturday, February 21, at 4:00 PM, in the final game of the regular season, closing out conference play with another key road test.
