BALTIMORE, MD — First‑year head coach Devin Hoehn delivered a championship season in remarkable fashion on Saturday evening as Fayetteville State stormed back from an eight‑point halftime deficit to defeat Bluefield State 71–68 and claim the 2026 CIAA Men's Basketball Championship at CFG Bank Arena. The win lifted the Broncos to 23–6 overall as they strengthened their NCAA Tournament résumé while entering the week ranked No. 7 in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region. The championship marks the third in program history and second since 2022.
Bluefield State, which entered the contest at 16–15 overall, controlled the early tempo with strong interior scoring and balanced perimeter shooting. The Big Blues received standout performances from Ellija Preddy, who finished with 20 points and nine rebounds, and Anthony Latty, who produced an 18‑point, 10‑rebound double‑double. Myles Pierre added 13 points as Bluefield State built a 40–32 halftime advantage and appeared in rhythm offensively.
Fayetteville State's response came in the form of aggressive, turnover‑creating defense and championship‑level composure. Senior guard Terrell Williams delivered one of the most memorable performances in recent CIAA title‑game history, scoring 29 points on 10‑of‑18 shooting while adding four rebounds and three steals. His ability to get downhill, connect from beyond the arc, and attack defensive gaps became the driving force behind the comeback. Senior guard Darius Boben fueled the defensive pressure with seven steals—one of the highest recorded totals in a modern CIAA championship game—while also contributing 14 points. Forward Larry Howell matched Boben's scoring with 14 points of his own, adding timely defensive plays that swung momentum in FSU's favor.
The turning point of the afternoon came midway through the second half. Trailing 57–50 with just over seven minutes remaining, Fayetteville State unleashed a decisive 10–0 run that shifted complete control of the game. The comeback began with defensive stops that allowed the Broncos to push the pace in transition, and Williams' driving layup with 5:15 left gave FSU its first lead of the second half at 60–57. From that moment forward, the Broncos never relinquished the advantage. They forced 11 turnovers in the final period alone and repeatedly converted those mistakes into points, finishing the game with 25 points off Bluefield State's 21 total turnovers.
Bluefield State generated several late scoring opportunities, but the Broncos' defensive poise held strong. Howell finished through contact on a key possession in the closing minutes, and Williams calmly hit free throws to keep FSU in front. Bluefield State's final three‑point attempt in the closing seconds came up short, sealing the championship for a Fayetteville State team that relied on toughness, ball security, and timely execution.
The win marked a monumental milestone for Hoehn, who captured a CIAA championship in his debut season leading the program. It also reaffirmed Fayetteville State's standing as one of the premier defensive teams in Division II basketball, holding a high‑powered Bluefield State offense in check despite a difficult first half.
With the title secured, the Broncos now look toward the national postseason. As the No. 7 team in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region, Fayetteville State will turn its attention to Selection Sunday on March 8, when the NCAA reveals this year's tournament field. Both the Broncos and Bluefield State, which has strengthened its postseason argument with competitive play down the stretch, now await their fate.
FSU's comeback championship not only extends the program's legacy but also signals the beginning of a new era under Hoehn—a season defined by resilience, defensive identity, and a second‑half performance worthy of a champion.
