Game Preview: Fayetteville State vs. #1 North Bowie State
CIAA Women's Basketball Semifinal
Date: Friday
, February 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD
Broadcast: ESPN+
Live Stats: Live Stats
The CIAA Semifinal round brings a marquee match-up as
Fayetteville State (20–4) meets the
#1 Northern Division seed Bowie State (19–7) for a spot in Saturday's championship game. Both programs enter among the top defensive teams in the league, and both have built their success on toughness, discipline, and balanced scoring.
Fayetteville State (20–4)
Fayetteville State arrives in the semifinals after another trademark defensive performance, holding Virginia Union to 49 points in Thursday's win. The Broncos, one of the CIAA's most efficient defensive squads, are allowing just
53.5 points per game and holding opponents to
31% shooting this season — the lowest mark in the league.
Offensively, the Broncos rely on elite ball movement (
14.6 assists per game) and team rebounding (
42.1 boards per game). FSU features one of the conference's most versatile backcourts led by guard
Talia Trotter, who averages
10.5 points, 4.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals, steering one of the CIAA's most balanced lineups. She is joined by spark plug
Alivia Evans, who adds
6.2 points per game while shooting 41% from the field.
The Broncos' depth continues to be a strength, with
Kelis Carmon,
Amina Miles, and
Nyah Wilkins supplying size, rebounding, and shot‑blocking. Fayetteville State averages
11.6 steals and 5.0 blocks per game, giving them the ability to turn defense into offense at any moment.
Top Players to Watch
- Talia Trotter – 10.5 PPG • 4.5 RPG • 4.9 APG • 2.1 SPG - FSU's floor general who controls tempo, distributes at a high level, and is one of the CIAA's most impactful two‑way guards.
- Alivia Evans – 6.2 PPG • 2.1 RPG • .410 FG% - A quick, confident scoring guard who provides spacing and pace while knocking down timely perimeter shots.
- Nyah Wilkins – 5.9 PPG • 6.0 RPG - FSU's most consistent rebounder, using length and physicality to anchor the Broncos on the glass.
- Amina Miles – 5.9 PPG • 3.9 RPG • 1.7 BPG - One of the league's top shot blockers who changes games at the rim and provides efficient interior scoring.
Bowie State (19–7)
Bowie State, the top Northern seed, brings one of the most disciplined and athletic rosters in the CIAA. The Bulldogs boast the league's
second‑best scoring defense (56.3 ppg allowed) and a +2.9 rebounding margin. Their pressure defense generates a conference‑best
12.3 steals per game, turning opponents over nearly
22 times per game.
Offensively, Bowie is paced by the steady trio of
Mia Smith (10.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG),
Malaka Cobb (10.0 PPG, 2.2 RPG), and
Afia Owusu‑Mensah (8.3 PPG). Their frontcourt is anchored by
Kristin Sterling and
Chaniya Taylor, combining for more than
10 rebounds and 11 points per game. Bowie State's ability to attack the rim, control the glass, and get to the free‑throw line (
16.7 made FTs per game) makes them dangerous in tight games.
Top Players to Watch
- Mia Smith – 10.4 PPG • 3.6 RPG • .430 FG% - Bowie State's most reliable scorer who stretches defenses and finishes through contact.
- Malaka Cobb – 10.0 PPG • 2.2 RPG • 2.6 APG • 2.1 SPG - A disruptive combo guard who thrives in Bowie's pressure defense and creates scoring opportunities off turnovers.
- Kristin Sterling – 6.7 PPG • 5.0 RPG • .845 FT% - Physical interior presence who rebounds at a high rate and remains one of BSU's most efficient free‑throw shooters.
- Chaniya Taylor – 5.0 PPG • 5.4 RPG - A steady post defender and rebounder who helps Bowie control the paint and limit second‑chance points.
What to Expect
This game sets up as a
defensive battle, with both teams ranking among the league's best in forcing turnovers, blocking shots, and contesting the paint. Fayetteville State holds opponents to the lowest field‑goal percentage in the CIAA, while Bowie owns one of the most disruptive guard units in the league.
Expect a matchup defined by:
- Possession battles — Both teams average about 18 turnovers per game and thrive off creating chaos.
- Rebounding supremacy — FSU at 42.1 RPG vs. BSU at 38.9 RPG.
- Guard play and decision‑making — Trotter vs. Smith/Cobb will be definitive.
- Low‑scoring, half‑court execution — the first team to 60 may win.
Keys to the Game
For Fayetteville State
- Guard tempo behind Trotter: limiting giveaways vs. Bowie's aggressive pressure will be crucial.
- Paint presence: Miles, Carmon, and Wilkins must control the glass and deny Bowie's drives.
- Bench production: FSU's depth (27 bench points vs VUU) will need to show up again.
For Bowie State
- Turnover creation: the Bulldogs' best weapon — they must disrupt FSU's rhythm early.
- Free throws: Bowie averages nearly 17 makes per game — a major advantage late.
- Offensive rebounding: second‑chance opportunities could swing momentum.
Two of the CIAA's most complete and defensive‑minded programs collide with a championship berth on the line. Fayetteville State has the depth, athleticism, and defensive backbone to challenge the top Northern seed, while Bowie State brings elite pressure defense and efficient scoring across its lineup.
