GAME PREVIEW -- FAYETTEVILLE STATE at SHAW
**Men's Basketball

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: C. C. Spaulding Gymnasium, Raleigh, NC
Broadcast: Bears Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats

Two of the CIAA's highest‑octane offenses collide as Fayetteville State travels to Shaw for a match-up defined by pace, scoring power, and star‑driven production. With both teams averaging over 80 points per game and anchored by some of the league's top individual performers, this contest shapes up to be a track meet filled with transition buckets, perimeter firepower, and physical play in the paint. Fayetteville State enters looking to secure its position atop the conference race, while Shaw aims to protect home court and earn a signature late‑season victory.
  Fayetteville State (19–6, 13–2 CIAA)
Fayetteville State comes into the match-up riding one of the CIAA's most explosive offenses, averaging 89.8 points per game and shooting an efficient 44.1% from the field. The Broncos thrive at the free‑throw line—earning 25.4 made free throws per game—and create separation through shot‑blocking and turnover pressure. With several double‑figure scorers, FSU's depth fuels its tempo‑based attack.

Players of the Game

• Larry Howell – 20.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG – One of the CIAA's top scorers, Howell's three‑level scoring and late‑game toughness make him the focal point of FSU's offense.
• Ezekiel Cannedy – 17.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG – A sharpshooter with deep range, his efficient perimeter scoring stretches defenses and sparks scoring runs.
• Romeo Aquino – 13.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 BPG – A physical interior presence who finishes at a high clip and alters shots defensively.
• Terrell Williams – 13.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 5.9 APG – A stat‑sheet stuffer whose playmaking and rebounding versatility drive FSU's tempo.

Shaw (16–8, 7–8 CIAA)
Shaw answers with an equally confident scoring identity, producing 81.8 points per game while shooting a sharp 47.4% from the floor. The Bears possess dynamic scoring guards and wings, strong passing instincts, and an aggressive perimeter defense that forces 10.1 steals per game. Shaw's only major weakness lies on the glass, where opponents hold a noticeable rebounding edge.

Players of the Game

• Avery Huggins – 16.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.9 BPG – Shaw's reliable go‑to scorer and rim protector who stabilizes their frontcourt.
• Dreveon Scott – 15.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 SPG – A high‑effort two‑way guard whose defensive intensity creates momentum‑changing plays.
• Isaiah Buckley – 14.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.6 APG – The Bears' primary creator, capable of controlling pace and setting up teammates.
• Alijah England – 10.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG – An efficient scorer around the rim who gives Shaw balance inside.

What to Expect

• A Fast‑Paced, High‑Scoring Match-up – Both teams average 80+ points and thrive in transition, making tempo a major storyline.
• Guard Play Will Dominate Early – Shaw's perimeter trio vs. Howell and Cannedy promises explosive scoring stretches on both ends.
• Rebound Margin Could Decide It – FSU enters at a slight disadvantage on the glass, while Shaw struggles with rebounding consistency. Second‑chance points will matter.
• Defense May Determine the Winner – Two of the CIAA's top steal‑producing teams will likely turn this into a game of runs created by turnovers.

Keys to the Game
Fayetteville State

1. Get to the Line Early and Often – FSU leads with 25.4 made free throws per game; asserting physicality will pay off.
2. Win the Turnover Battle – Their +1.4 margin and 18.4 points off turnovers must remain a strength.
3. Inside Presence from Aquino & Williams – Their rebounding and shot‑blocking can neutralize Shaw's efficiency at the rim.

Shaw

1. Exploit the Glass – With FSU being out‑rebounded on average, Shaw must pursue extra possessions aggressively.
2. Keep Shooting Efficient – Their .474 field‑goal percentage is a major advantage—maintaining smart shot selection is key.
3. Limit FSU's Free‑Throw Opportunities – Fouling fuels the Broncos' scoring; Shaw must defend without over‑committing.

With two potent offenses and standout individual talent on both sides, this matchup has all the makings of a statement win for whichever team executes late. Fayetteville State's ability to control pace, get to the free‑throw line, and lean on its star trio gives the Broncos a strong advantage—but Shaw's perimeter scoring, defensive activity, and home‑court confidence make them a legitimate upset threat. Expect a fast, physical, and high‑scoring battle with major conference implications.