BALTIMORE, MD — Championship teams don't just win games — they seize moments. In Friday night's CIAA Men's Basketball Semifinal, Fayetteville State seized every one of them.
Behind a dominant second‑half surge and an MVP‑level performance from Food Lion Player of the Game Larry Howell, the Broncos stormed to a 90–68 victory over Johnson C. Smith, earning their place in Saturday's CIAA Championship against Bluefield State.
Fayetteville State (22–6) controlled the game wire to wire, but the second half turned a competitive battle into a runaway show of power.
Leading 40–35 at the break, the Broncos wasted no time widening the gap. Howell opened the half by burying a three from the left wing, setting the tone for what became a 50‑point outburst over the final 20 minutes.
Moments later, Romeo Aquino tipped in an offensive board, and Travon Cooper streaked out for a fast‑break layup after a steal by Terrell Williams. The Broncos' margin swelled to double digits, and they never looked back.
Cooper followed with another dagger from deep — one of his three second‑half baskets — stretching the lead to 54–41 with 16:58 remaining. Every time Johnson C. Smith (12–16) attempted to close the gap, Fayetteville State attacked harder, defended tougher, and pushed the pace even faster.
Aquino's Spark, Howell's Power, and Cooper's Fire Finish the Bulls
Aquino delivered his strongest stretch of the tournament early in the half, ripping down offensive boards, converting tip‑ins, and knocking down a mid‑range jumper to give FSU a commanding 61–43 lead. His presence in the paint helped the Broncos double the Golden Bulls in paint points and win the rebounding battle 46–34.
As the Bulls tried to recover, Howell and Cooper closed the door for good.
With 15:39 left, Howell drilled a deep three that sent the FSU crowd into a roar — one of two second‑half threes as he continued his all‑around dominance. The senior finished with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 13‑of‑14 at the free‑throw line, setting the tone on both ends.
Cooper followed by erupting late, hitting another three with 4:35 left to push the lead to 21 before slicing the defense for a mid‑range jumper to make it 83–60. The junior guard finished with 21 points on 75 percent shooting, his most efficient outing of the tournament.
By the time Howell sank two more free throws with 3:51 remaining — his final points before receiving a well‑earned ovation — FSU led by 25 and emptied the bench.
JCSU Battled, but the Broncos' Depth and Pace Were Overwhelming
Johnson C. Smith leaned heavily on its top trio. Trey Pettigrew poured in 19 points, Jamauri Bryant added a hard‑fought 18 and 9 rebounds, and Jared Davis gave 14 points with four blocks. But as the game intensified, the Broncos' depth — and relentless tempo — proved too much.
The Broncos piled up 20 fast‑break points, turning turnovers and missed shots into a track meet JCSU couldn't match.
Defensively, Fayetteville State clamped down in the final 20 minutes, holding the Golden Bulls to 0‑for‑7 from three after halftime.
The win sends the Broncos into Saturday's CIAA Championship at 8:00 p.m., where Bluefield State awaits.
Fayetteville State has played like a team destined for this moment — and on championship night, they'll have the chance to finish the job.
