BALTIMORE, MD — Fayetteville State University men's basketball has been ranked No. 7 in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region (through February 22, 2026) as the Broncos continue their postseason surge into the CIAA Tournament Semifinals at CFG Bank Arena. FSU stands 20–6 overall (20–6 in‑region), solidifying a strong NCAA résumé built on elite pace, pressure, and one of the nation's most productive offenses. Atlantic Region Top 10 (Through Feb. 22, 2026)

1. Gannon University (24–2 | 23–1)
2. West Liberty (23–3 | 22–2)
3. Fairmont State (21–4 | 20–3)
4. Indiana (Pa.) (19–4 | 19–4)
5. Virginia Union (21–4 | 20–4)
6. California (Pa.) (18–7 | 18–7)
7. Fayetteville State (20–6 | 20–6)
8. West Chester (19–6 | 19–6)
9. Charleston (WV) (17–8 | 17–7)
10. East Stroudsburg (19–7 | 19–7)

Why the Broncos Are Rising
National & CIAA Statistical Strengths
Elite at the Line

• #1 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Free Throw Attempts per Game (33.9)
• #1 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Free Throws Made per Game (25.6)
• #39 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Free Throw Percentage (75.5%)

High‑Octane Offense

• #8 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Scoring Offense (90.0 ppg)
• #5 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Fastbreak Points (19.19 per game)

Defensive Pressure

• #4 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Blocks per Game (5.3)
• #23 Nationally / #3 CIAA — Turnovers Forced (16.19 per game)
• #33 Nationally / #3 CIAA — Steals per Game (9.0)

Possession Control

• #35 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Defensive Rebounds per Game (27.30)
• #30 Nationally / #2 CIAA — Total Rebounds per Game (39.26)

Individual Standouts
Larry Howell — One of DII's Most Dominant Scorers

• #14 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Total Points (567)
• #17 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Points per Game (21.0)
• #4 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Free Throws Made (185)
• #9 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Free Throw Attempts (217)
• #43 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Field Goals Made (175)

Ezekiel Cannedy — Elite Perimeter Shooter

• #9 Nationally / #1 CIAA — 3‑Point Attempts (227)
• #10 Nationally / #1 CIAA — Total 3‑Pointers (86)
• #13 Nationally / #1 CIAA — 3‑Pointers per Game (3.19)
• #60 Nationally / #2 CIAA — 3‑Point Percentage (37.9%)

Rim Protection by Committee

• Romeo Aquino: #61 Nationally (1.44 bpg)
• Kenneth Brayboy: #79 Nationally (1.32 bpg)
• Omari Byrd: #120 Nationally (1.14 bpg)

Backcourt Impact

• Terrell Williams: 103 assists, CIAA leader in triple‑doubles
• Darius Boben: #59 Nationally in steals per game (1.96)

Next Up: CIAA Tournament Semifinal
Fayetteville State returns to the hardwood Friday night at CFG Bank Arena for the CIAA Tournament Semifinals. A win would send the Broncos into the championship game with an opportunity to strengthen their NCAA Tournament positioning and chase another conference title. ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Fayetteville State University has established itself as one of the CIAA's premier athletic departments, consistently earning championships, awards, and national recognition across multiple sports.
A Decade of Dominance

• Ten of FSU's eleven programs have combined for 28 CIAA championships over the past decade, reflecting a department‑wide culture of success under Athletics Director Anthony Bennett.
• FSU programs regularly advance deep into CIAA and NCAA postseason play, including the men's basketball team making school history with an NCAA Atlantic Region first‑round win during the 2024–25 season.

Recent Multi‑Sport CIAA Excellence

• Fayetteville State captured seven CIAA championships in the 2022–23 season, the most in the conference.
• FSU secured five CIAA titles in 2021–22 and four in 2019–20, showcasing sustained success.
• The women's program earned back‑to‑back CIAA Loretta Taylor Women's All‑Sports Awards, recognizing the top women's athletics program in the league.

Championship Culture Across Sports

• The women's indoor track & field team extended its dynasty with six straight CIAA championships, led by multiple‑time Coach of the Year Inez Turner.
• FSU teams have recently celebrated championships or runner‑up finishes in women's basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, track & field, and volleyball.

The "Campus of Champions"
In a February 2026 release, FSU reaffirmed its identity as the "Campus of Champions," with both men's and women's basketball winning divisional titles ahead of the 2026 CIAA Tournament. The department emphasizes excellence in competition, academics, and community engagement.