BALTIMORE, MD — February 27, 2026 — Fayetteville State (21–4) is championship‑bound after staging a determined comeback to defeat Bowie State (19–8), 49–46, in a gritty CIAA Tournament semifinal Friday evening at CFG Bank Arena. Powered by a commanding performance from Food Lion Player of the Game Nyah Wilkins, the Broncos earned their place in Saturday's CIAA Championship Game—where they will face Winston‑Salem State at 1:00 PM—and continue their pursuit of a third consecutive CIAA championship, a testament to the program's growing dynasty.

Wilkins was the driving force from start to finish. The forward delivered a powerful double‑double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while adding four steals and two assists. Her impact on both ends of the floor anchored a Fayetteville State team that needed every ounce of composure and grit to erase a late deficit and move one step closer to history. Supporting her efforts was guard Talia Trotter, who contributed 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals, once again proving to be one of the CIAA's most versatile playmakers. Amina Miles added four points along with timely rebounding and interior defense.

Bowie State entered the semifinal with significant momentum behind its 19–8 overall record. The Bulldogs were led by Malaka Cobb, who scored 14 points and added four steals. Mia Smith produced 11 points and five steals, while Mayah Garner contributed six points and multiple key defensive stands. Jada Bouknight was active on the boards with seven rebounds, helping Bowie State control stretches of the game—especially during the third‑quarter surge.

The Broncos opened the game with a 5–0 burst fueled by Wilkins and Zaria Gool, controlling the paint to secure an 11–10 lead after one. Fayetteville State added another 5–0 run early in the second quarter, highlighted by a finish from Wilkins, to extend its lead to 16–10. The Broncos hit two three‑pointers in the frame and entered the break ahead 26–24, having survived Bowie State's defensive pressure with disciplined shot selection.

The momentum swung dramatically in the third quarter. Bowie State unleashed its best offensive stretch of the contest, outscoring FSU 19–12 behind scoring from Cobb, Smith, and Garner to build a 43–38 advantage heading into the final period. Though Fayetteville State continued to attack inside—scoring six of its third‑quarter points in the paint—the Broncos needed a reset.

That reset arrived immediately in the fourth.

Just eight seconds into the period, Nevaeh Colon drained a clutch three‑pointer, slicing the deficit to two. A few possessions later, Alivia Evans buried a corner three to make it 45–44, igniting the Broncos' bench and shifting the arena's energy. With 2:45 remaining, Trotter stole the ball near midcourt and scored in transition to reclaim the lead—FSU's first since early in the third quarter.

Moments later, Wilkins dropped in a decisive layup at the 1:51 mark to extend the margin to 48–45, punctuating a 7–0 run that flipped the game entirely.

From there, Fayetteville State's defense shut the door. Bowie State failed to make a field goal for the rest of the game, shooting 0‑for‑11 in the fourth quarter as the Broncos controlled the glass, protected the paint, and forced the Bulldogs into difficult, contested looks. After Bowie State closed within two on late free throws, Trotter's foul shot with eight seconds left extended the lead to 49–46.

A final desperation three came up short, sealing the Broncos' return to championship Saturday.

Fayetteville State's defensive identity shined brightest when it mattered most. The Broncos held Bowie State to just 32 percent from the floor, forced 23 turnovers, and maintained a 31–28 edge on the boards—led by Wilkins' game‑high 10 rebounds. The bench added 17 points, providing key scoring bursts and defensive energy throughout the contest.

The victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated championship showdown. Fayetteville State and Winston‑Salem State each won on their home courts during the regular season, but only one will leave Baltimore with the trophy. For the Broncos, the opportunity is historic—they will take the floor Saturday with a chance to win their third straight CIAA championship, a feat that would solidify their standing as one of the conference's elite programs.