For the second time in four seasons, Fayetteville State stands as the top program in CIAA women’s basketball.
FSU held off a tough Elizabeth City State team to 64-59 win, forcing it to shoot just 27 percent from the field. FSU improved to 26-2 on the season and secured the CIAA automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Keayna McLaughlin led the way with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting for the game, as FSU came back from a six-point deficit in the first quarter and held ECSU to seven points in the second quarter to take a 28-24 lead at halftime. The game remained close throughout and went into the fourth quarter with a 44-43 lead for Fayetteville State. ECSU hit just 23 percent from the field in the fourth quarter while Fayetteville State hit all ten of its free throws to seal the win.
The Fayetteville State defense forced 17 turnovers.
Aniylah Bryant was named the CIAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. She scored 12 points on Saturday, following an impressive 31-point point performance that saw her hit all 11 of her free throws. Talia Trotter and Nyah Wilkins scored 12 points each as well for FSU.
Elizabeth City State, the defending CIAA Champions, fell to 20-11 on the season.
Source link : hbcugameday.com
