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

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: C. C. Spaulding Gymnasium, Raleigh, NC
Broadcast: Bears Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats

As the CIAA regular season winds toward its final stretch, Fayetteville State and Shaw square off in a matchup loaded with intensity, stakes, and contrasting styles. The Broncos arrive looking to solidify their position among the conference's elite, while Shaw aims to protect its home floor and capture a momentum‑shifting win. With both teams relying on physicality, aggressive guard play, and strong defensive identity, this meeting has all the ingredients of a rivalry‑style showdown—one where every rebound, turnover, and loose ball could swing the outcome. Fayetteville State  (18-4, 12-3)
Fayetteville State enters the match-up as one of the CIAA's most balanced and defensively dominant teams, riding an 18–4 record behind a disciplined offense, high‑pressure defense, and veteran guard play. The Broncos average 65.5 points per game while holding opponents to just 53.9, a double‑digit margin that's been their calling card all season.

Players of the Game

• Talia Trotter – 10.6 PPG, 5.0 APG, 4.6 RPG – The engine of the Broncos' offense whose playmaking and pace control set the tone every night.
• KaNyah O'Neal – 10.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.1 SPG – A disruptive two‑way force; her on‑ball pressure creates live‑ball turnovers and easy points.
• Kelis Carmon – 6.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.1 BPG – Interior stabilizer who protects the rim and finishes efficiently in traffic.
• Nyah Wilkins – 5.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG – A high‑energy rebounder who adds toughness and second‑chance opportunities.

Shaw (8-14, 5-10)
Shaw counters with a tough, home‑court‑proud unit determined to disrupt the standings. The Bears average 54.6 points per game, and when their primary scorers get rolling, Shaw's physicality on the glass and willingness to attack contact can turn the tide—especially at the free‑throw line.

Players of the Game

• D'Ayzha Atkinson – 15.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.6 SPG – Primary scorer and heartbeat of the Bears; when she's efficient, everything opens up.
• Leasia Matthews – 10.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.6 SPG – Floor‑spacer and competitive defender who gives Shaw needed perimeter punch.
• Mikyah Finley – 7.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.2 APG – Secondary scorer whose shooting rhythm can swing a quarter.
• Ashara Spruill – 6.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.5 BPG – Physical rebounder who battles for extra possessions and finishes through contact.

What to Expect

• Fayetteville State's Defense Will Set the Tone – The Broncos' activity (11.7 steals, 5.0 blocks per game) should pressure Shaw's ball‑handlers and ignite transition chances.
• Battle on the Boards – With both teams around 40+ rebounds per game, second‑chance points will be a crucial swing factor.
• Shaw's Turnover Management – The Bears average 23.5 turnovers per game; limiting giveaways against FSU's pressure is non‑negotiable.
• Star Guards in Focus – Atkinson vs. Trotter provides a marquee leadership duel that could decide late‑game execution.

Keys to the Game
Fayetteville State

1. Own the Possession Game – FSU converts mistakes into points, averaging 19.0 points off turnovers; a +5 turnover margin likely tilts the night.
2. Spread the Scoring – Multiple Broncos in the 5–11 PPG range make it hard for Shaw to load up defensively.
3. Rim Protection & Close‑Outs – Maintain the edge in blocks and contest the arc to hold Shaw to one‑and‑done trips.

Shaw

1. Feature Atkinson Early – Establishing their top scorer in the first quarter settles the offense and draws help defenders.
2. Protect the Ball – Sub‑20 turnovers must be the benchmark to keep FSU out of the open floor.
3. Glass & Free Throws – Match FSU's rebounding intensity and capitalize at the stripe, where Shaw holds a slight advantage.

Expect a physical, defense‑centric game with momentum swings driven by turnover runs and rebounding battles. If Fayetteville State's pressure travels and their balanced scoring holds, the Broncos are positioned to control the pace and close strong. For Shaw, poise with the ball, a fast start from Atkinson, and a gritty effort on the boards are essential for keeping this match-up tight. With postseason implications looming, this contest brings the energy and urgency of a March‑style showdown.