GAME PREVIEW: Fayetteville State vs. Bowie State – CIAA Tournament Day 2
**Men's Basketball
Date: Wednesday
, February 25, 2026
Time: 8:50 PM
Location: CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD
Broadcast: ESPN+
Live Stats: Live Stats
The CIAA Men's Basketball Tournament rolls into Day 2 with a compelling matchup between the
Fayetteville State Broncos (20–6, 14–2 CIAA) and the
Bowie State Bulldogs (8–21, 5–11 CIAA). Bowie State enters this contest with confidence after lighting up the scoreboard in a
100–77 victory over Livingstone on Tuesday evening. Fayetteville State, meanwhile, begins its tournament run looking to continue the dominant form that led to a Southern Division title and one of the league's top offensive outputs.
Fayetteville State Broncos (20–6, 14–2)
FSU enters the postseason as one of the CIAA's most explosive and efficient scoring teams, averaging
90.2 points per game while shooting
44.5% from the field. Led by All‑CIAA standouts and a veteran core, the Broncos combine efficient offense with disruptive defense, ranking among the league's best in steals and blocks. Their balanced roster and postseason experience position them as a championship contender.
Top Players
- Larry Howell – 21.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, .449 FG% - One of the CIAA's most dominant scoring threats, Howell leads FSU's high-octane attack and is lethal from all three levels.
- Ezekiel Cannedy – 18.1 PPG, .382 3PT% - A dynamic perimeter scorer who stretches the floor and thrives in transition.
- Romeo Aquino – 13.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 BPG - A versatile two-way forward who provides interior scoring, rim protection, and rebounding.
- Terrell Williams – 13.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 5.8 AST - A stat-sheet stuffer and one of the CIAA's best all-around playmakers when healthy.
Bowie State Bulldogs (8–21, 5–11)
Despite a challenging season, Bowie State showed flashes of high-level play—none more impressive than yesterday's 100‑point offensive eruption. The Bulldogs have battled through inconsistency but feature strong guard play and a gritty defensive identity. With momentum and confidence after advancing past Livingstone, Bowie State presents a dangerous opponent capable of pushing the tempo.
Top Players
- Justin Morrisey – 16.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG (.475 FG%) - A high-efficiency scorer who has elevated Bowie State's offense since returning to the lineup.
- KJ West – 14.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.1 AST - The Bulldogs' most consistent threat, West impacts the game as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator.
- Jaiden McGhee – 12.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG - Physical and aggressive, McGhee gives BSU second-chance opportunities and interior scoring.
- Joseph Allen – 12.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG (.520 FG%, .458 3PT%) - A dangerous stretch forward who creates matchup problems with his shooting range.
What to Expect
Fans should anticipate a fast-paced and high-scoring contest. Fayetteville State boasts the CIAA's top scoring offense and one of its most efficient free-throw shooting teams, averaging nearly
26 made free throws per game—a number that often decides games late. Bowie State just scored 100 points and is playing with renewed rhythm, especially from behind the arc.
FSU prefers controlled tempo, strong defensive pressure, and physical rebounding, but the Broncos' slight rebounding deficit this season (
–1.8 margin) gives Bowie State opportunities on the glass if they crash aggressively.
Bowie State will attempt to build on yesterday's performance by pushing the pace, feeding its versatile scorers, and relying on hot perimeter shooting to keep pressure on the Broncos' defense.
Keys to the Game
Fayetteville State
- Win the defensive glass. Limiting Bowie State's second-chance points will be critical.
- Keep the tempo balanced. FSU thrives when they dictate pace, not when opponents speed them up into rushed shots.
- Feed Howell and Cannedy early. Establishing their two leading scorers will open the floor for Aquino, Williams, and Cooper.
- Turn defense into offense. With 9.2 steals and 5.4 blocks per game, FSU's pressure can create scoring runs.
Bowie State
- Maintain offensive momentum from Tuesday. Efficient shooting will be necessary to keep pace with FSU's firepower.
- Control the rebounding margin. BSU averages 5.2 fewer rebounds per game than opponents—closing that gap is vital.
- Defend without fouling. FSU's elite free‑throw shooting makes every whistle costly.
- Balanced scoring. When multiple Bulldogs hit double figures, Bowie State becomes a far more competitive team.
This matchup features a Bowie State squad arriving with confidence and momentum after a 100‑point performance, but they face a tall task against a Fayetteville State team that has been one of the CIAA's most complete and consistent units all season. If FSU imposes its defensive pressure, controls the paint, and executes through its star core, the Broncos will be in strong position to advance. However, Bowie State's perimeter shooting and renewed flow make them a potential spoiler if they start hot.
