The reigning CIAA champion Fayetteville State Broncos kept their run in the DII Women’s Basketball tournament alive following a 72-63 win over Indiana (PA).
This marks the first time an HBCU team has won a game in the DII women’s tournament since Virginia Union defeated Edinboro in the opening round of the 2019 tourney.
CIAA Player of the Year Aniylah Bryant was again spectacular, scoring 23 points and snatching a season-high eight steals.
Talia Trotter added 15 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Daziyahna Wilson contributed 10 points and two steals off the bench.
We ADVANCE to the 2nd round!! 72-63 win over Indiana (PA)!! Way to go @Fsubroncos_wbb pic.twitter.com/8yI1nJxpNJ
— Fayetteville State Women's Basketball (@Fsubroncos_wbb) March 16, 2024
After going up 5-2 early, three Broncos turnovers led to seven points as part of a 12-2 run for the opposition, giving Indiana (PA) a seven-point lead.
Though Indiana (PA) kept up the pressure, building a lead as big as eight points, Fayetteville State kept its composure, outscoring them for the remainder of the quarter going into the half down 30-28.
In the third quarter, the Broncos turned the game in their favor, outscoring Indiana 13-4 in the final six minutes of the period. They would hold the lead for the rest of the game, leading by as many as 10 points.
Fayetteville State will advance to the second round, facing the two-seed Fairmont State tomorrow at 7 p.m.
