WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- In a battle between two CIAA contenders, Fayetteville State's defensive grit kept the game within reach, but cold shooting ultimately proved costly as the Broncos fell 50–36 to Winston‑Salam State on Saturday afternoon inside C.E. Gaines Center. In front of a lively crowd, the matchup showcased intensity, toughness, and two of the league's top defensive units — but it was the Rams (19–2, 10–1 CIAA) who made the timely plays needed to secure the win over the Broncos (15–3, 9–2 CIAA).

Winston‑Salem State entered the game as one of the CIAA's most well‑rounded squads, led by standout forward Maia Charles, who came in averaging 14.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

Fayetteville State countered with its own balanced core, headlined by guard KaNyah O'Neal (10.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG) and point guard Talia Trotter, who averages 10.0 points and 5.5 assists per contest. But on a day defined by defensive pressure, neither offense found easy opportunities.

The Broncos struggled to generate rhythm early, missing all six first‑quarter field goal attempts while the Rams capitalized just enough to take a 13–5 lead after one. Fayetteville State relied on free throws to stay afloat, but shots refused to fall from the perimeter or the lane.

Despite the scoring drought, the Broncos' defensive effort never wavered. FSU forced 24 turnovers — a season‑strength on full display — converting those miscues into 16 points. Trotter's leadership was evident, leading the team with two steals and staying poised even as the offense sputtered.

Fayetteville State regained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring WSSU 10–7 to trim the deficit to 20–15 by the break. The Broncos' bench provided a much‑needed spark, particularly Nevaeh Colon, whose seven points led all FSU scorers. Her presence, along with defensive energy from Nyah Wilkins — who grabbed a team‑high six rebounds — helped the Broncos weather the pressure.

The Rams extended their lead to 27–17 midway through the third, but Fayetteville State responded with its best run of the afternoon — an 8–0 burst that pulled the Broncos within 27–25 with 3:41 left. Stephens, O'Neal, and Wilkins fueled the push inside, as FSU scored eight of its 13 third‑quarter points in the paint.

But each time the Broncos surged, Winston‑Salem State countered. The Rams closed the quarter on a 7–3 run, fueled by key baskets from Jakaiya Mack (11 points, 9 rebounds) and technical free throws that halted FSU's momentum. WSSU entered the fourth with a 34–28 advantage.

Despite forcing eight turnovers in the fourth quarter, Fayetteville State couldn't convert consistently on the offensive end. The Rams outscored FSU 16–8 in the final frame, using second‑chance points and interior control to seal the win. Mack and Nevaeh Farmer (10 points) proved difficult to contain, while Charles anchored the paint with 14 rebounds.

The Broncos shot just 22.4% from the field and 1-of-9 from beyond the arc — numbers that ultimately overshadowed a strong defensive outing.

Though the Broncos struggled offensively, their defensive tenacity and bench production showed the depth and resilience of this 15–3 squad. Fayetteville State remains one of the CIAA's premier teams, and despite Saturday's setback, the Broncos continue to demonstrate the toughness that has defined their season. With lessons learned and more conference battles ahead, FSU will look to regroup, recalibrate, and continue its push toward the postseason.

The Broncos now turn their focus to a crucial homestand that could shape their postseason positioning. Fayetteville State will host three straight games in Capel Arena:

• February 9 — vs. Shaw at 6:00 PM (Monday)
• February 12 — vs. Livingstone at 8:00 PM (Thursday)
• February 14 — vs. Johnson C. Smith at 2:00 PM (Saturday)

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