GAME PREVIEW: Fayetteville State vs. Virginia Union
** Women's Basketball

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD
Broadcast: ESPN+
Live Stats: Live Stats

The 2026 CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament tips off for Fayetteville State as the Broncos (19–4, 13–3 CIAA) prepare for a high‑stakes opening matchup against Virginia Union (17–8, 10–6 CIAA) on Thursday evening. Virginia Union advanced with a 59–48 victory over Johnson C. Smith on Tuesday and enters the matchup with momentum, while Fayetteville State arrives rested, disciplined, and focused after a strong regular season that earned them the #2 Southern Division seed.
 
FAYETTEVILLE STATE BRONCOS (19–4, 13–3 CIAA)
Fayetteville State enters postseason play as one of the CIAA's most balanced and dynamic teams, built on depth, relentless defense, and disciplined execution. The Broncos allow just 53.7 points per game, the lowest mark in the conference, while holding opponents to 31% shooting.
Offensively, FSU averages 66.0 points per game, led by an experienced backcourt and a front line that rebounds at a high level. Their +12.2 scoring margin underscores their ability to control pace and dictate the flow of the game.

Top Performers

• Talia Trotter — 10.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.1 SPG - The Broncos' floor general and emotional leader. She orchestrates the offense and is one of the CIAA's most complete two‑way guards.
• KaNyah O'Neal — 10.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.1 SPG - One of the league's elite perimeter defenders. O'Neal's ability to disrupt passing lanes is game‑changing.
• Kelis Carmon — 6.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG - A steady, physical rebounder who anchors the paint with toughness and rim protection.
• Alivia Evans — 6.0 PPG - A reliable scoring option who spaces the floor and creates inside-out balance.

Collectively, the Broncos average 42.2 rebounds, 14.7 assists, and 11.5 steals per contest — all among the best marks in the league.
VIRGINIA UNION PANTHERS (17–8, 10–6 CIAA)
Virginia Union punched their ticket to this matchup with a strong defensive win over Johnson C. Smith, powered by their star forward Bruni Martinez, one of the most dominant players in the conference. The Panthers score 64.6 points per game, defend the three extremely well, and force nearly 20 turnovers per game, leaning heavily on pressure and length.

Top Performers

• Bruni Martinez — 14.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG - A dominant interior scorer and offensive rebounder. Everything for VUU flows through her.
• Maya Robinson — 10.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.3 APG - The reliable secondary scorer with strong efficiency and court vision.
• Serenity Johnson — 8.5 PPG, 1.5 SPG - A perimeter threat who stretches the floor and excels defensively.
• Karimah Nix — 7.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG - High‑motor guard who stabilizes the Panthers on both ends.

Virginia Union's defensive identity makes them dangerous — they average 11.3 steals per game and hold opponents to 55.7 points.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Thursday's matchup will be defined by intensity, physical play, and half‑court execution. Fayetteville State's defensive pressure meets a Virginia Union team that thrives on forcing turnovers and attacking the rim through Martinez. Expect long stretches where the game slows into a possession‑by‑possession battle.

FSU's ability to defend without fouling will be crucial, as VUU relies heavily on getting to the free‑throw line and generating second‑chance points. Meanwhile, the Broncos' guard play must control pace and keep the Panthers out of transition — where VUU builds momentum quickly.

Both teams excel defensively, so timely scoring runs and the efficiency of each team's top playmakers will likely determine momentum.
KEYS TO THE GAME
For Fayetteville State

• Win the guard battle. Trotter and O'Neal must dictate tempo, limit turnovers, and generate scoring opportunities in transition.
• Control the glass. Martinez is the most dominant rebounder in the CIAA; FSU must keep her off the offensive boards.
• Defensive discipline. The Broncos must avoid foul trouble and force VUU into perimeter jumpers.
• Bench production. Depth has been one of FSU's strengths all season and can provide separation.

For Virginia Union

• Feed Martinez early. Her presence inside anchors the Panthers' offense.
• Disrupt Trotter. Limiting the Broncos' point guard could disrupt FSU's rhythm.
• Capitalize on turnovers. They average 18.3 points off takeaways — a major factor in their wins.
• Win the physical battle. They must match FSU's intensity for all four quarters.

Thursday's match-up features two programs built on toughness and discipline. Fayetteville State enters as the higher seed and one of the league's most efficient all‑around teams, while Virginia Union arrives with momentum and one of the CIAA's most impactful interior forces.