GAME PREVIEW - Fayetteville State vs. Shaw
**Men's Basketball

Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Capel Arena, Fayetteville, NC
Broadcast: Bronco Sports Network
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: Game Tickets

The Fayetteville State Broncos (15–6, 9–2 CIAA) return home riding momentum from a road victory at Winston‑Salem State and look to continue their push toward the top of the CIAA standings as they host the Shaw Bears (14–6, 5–6 CIAA) on Monday evening inside Capel Arena. Both teams bring elite scoring ability, dynamic guard play, and multiple impact players, setting the stage for a high‑energy matchup with major implications in the league race.
  Fayetteville State Preview (15–6, 9–2 CIAA)
One of the CIAA's most explosive offensive teams, Fayetteville State enters the contest averaging 89.4 points per game, powered by a balanced lineup with four double‑digit scorers and one of the nation's top inside‑outside trios. The Broncos are shooting 43.9% from the field, 35.0% from three, and an impressive 75.3% at the free‑throw line, where they average nearly 25 attempts per night.
Defensively, FSU's shot‑blocking presence and disruptive length remain strengths, as the Broncos average 5.6 blocks per game and force teams into over 16 turnovers per outing. Their ability to generate transition opportunities from those stops has been a key factor in their late‑season surge.

Top Players 

• Larry Howell — 20.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, .391 3PT - FSU's premier scorer continues to pace the offense with three‑level scoring and clutch shot‑making.
• Ezekiel Cannedy — 17.7 PPG, .371 3PT - A dangerous perimeter threat who stretches defenses and thrives in high‑tempo games.
• Romeo Aquino — 14.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG - A two‑way impact forward with elite finishing ability and strong rim protection.
• Terrell Williams — 13.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 6.4 APG - The Broncos' all‑around playmaker and one of the CIAA's most versatile guards.

Shaw Preview (14–6, 5–6 CIAA)
Shaw brings one of the CIAA's most efficient offenses into Capel Arena, averaging 82.2 points per game on 47.7% shooting, making the Bears one of the best scoring teams FSU will face this season. With a trio of dynamic scorers and strong ball movement (15.1 assists per game), Shaw thrives in pace and spacing.
Defensively, the Bears generate pressure with 10.2 steals per game and excel at creating turnovers, holding a +5 turnover margin. Their one major challenge has been rebounding, where they face a –4.9 margin, an area FSU may look to exploit.

Top Players

• Dreveon Scott — 16.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, .365 3PT - A high‑energy scorer capable of big nights from anywhere on the floor.
• Avery Huggins — 15.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.1 BPG - Shaw's most impactful two‑way player and one of the league's best shot‑blockers.
• Isaiah Buckley — 14.2 PPG, 4.7 APG - A skilled passer and downhill guard who drives the Bears' offensive tempo.
• Alijah England — 10.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG - A consistent interior finisher who brings physicality in the lane.

What to Expect

• High scoring and fast pace — Both teams average over 82 points and thrive in transition.
• Elite guard play — Howell, Williams, and Cannedy vs. Scott, Buckley, and Huggins promises fireworks.
• Turnover battle — Shaw forces 18.6 turnovers per game, while FSU averages 19.0 points off takeaways.
• Rebounding margin matters — FSU holds an inside advantage; Shaw must minimize second‑chance points.
• Three‑point efficiency — Both teams shoot near 35% from deep; whichever catches fire could control momentum.

Keys to the Game

• FSU must dominate the glass and leverage its size advantage against Shaw's –4.9 rebounding margin.
• Shaw must limit transition buckets to keep the Broncos from scoring in bunches.
• Bench production could be a difference‑maker — both teams rely heavily on deep rotations.
• Whichever team controls tempo will dictate the rhythm and style of play.

Fayetteville State returns home with confidence and will look to maintain its place near the top of the CIAA standings. Shaw, however, brings a high‑octane offense capable of challenging anyone on the schedule. With elite playmakers on both sides and significant conference implications on the line, Monday night promises a competitive and electric atmosphere inside Capel Arena.