Fayetteville State University, the Southern Division’s top seed, will enter the CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament with a first-round bye. The Broncos, boasting a 9-1 conference record, will face the winner of the North’s No. 4 seed Virginia Union and the South’s No. 5 seed Shaw on Wednesday, February 26 at 8:50 p.m. The Broncos have demonstrated strong performance throughout the season, positioning themselves as a formidable contender in the tournament.

Key players for Fayetteville State include Caleb Simmons, who averages 17.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, and Tairell Fletcher, who contributes 17.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Ezekiel Cannedy also plays a crucial role, averaging 16.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. These players have been instrumental in the Broncos’ success and will be pivotal in their tournament run.

In their most recent game, the Broncos set a school scoring record with a 135-65 victory over Carolina Christian. Tairell Fletcher led the team with a double-double, scoring 24 points and dishing out 10 assists. Caleb Simmons added 22 points and seven rebounds, while Myles Pierre contributed 21 points off the bench. The Broncos’ dominant performance included 21 three-pointers and a strong defensive effort, forcing 15 turnovers and converting them into 32 points.

Fayetteville State has a rich history in the CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, including a championship win in 2022. The Broncos have consistently been competitive, making several deep runs in the tournament over the years. Their historical success and current form make them a team to watch in this year’s tournament. The Broncos are the 2024 CIAA Tournament Runner-ups.

The Northern Division’s top seed, Virginia State, leads with a 7-3 record, followed by Bluefield State at 6-4. In the Southern Division, Claflin follows Fayetteville State with an 8-2 record, while Johnson C. Smith holds a 5-5 record. The tournament promises to deliver exciting match-ups as teams vie for the championship.

Fayetteville State University (FSU) stands out as a strong contender in the CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Here’s how they compare to other teams:

1. Overall Record: FSU boasts a 21-7 overall record and a 12-4 conference record, making them one of the top teams in the Southern Division. Their consistency and ability to win games have been key to their success.
2. Key Players: FSU’s roster includes standout players like Caleb Simmons (17.2 points, 9.3 rebounds per game), Tairell Fletcher (17.6 points, 3.1 rebounds per game), and Ezekiel Cannedy (16.0 points, 3.0 rebounds per game). This trio provides a balanced scoring attack that is difficult for opponents to defend.
3. Strengths: FSU excels in several areas, including balanced scoring, rebounding, three-point shooting, defense, and free-throw shooting. These strengths make them a well-rounded team capable of competing at a high level.
4. Tournament History: FSU has a rich history in the CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, including a championship win in 2022. Their experience and recent 2024 runner-up success add to their confidence and preparedness for this year’s tournament.
5. Comparison to Other Teams:

   • Virginia State: The top seed in the Northern Division with a 18-8 overall record and a 12-3 conference record. They are a strong team but have shown some vulnerability.
   • Claflin: The second seed in the Southern Division with a 17-9 overall record and a 10-5 conference record. They are a formidable opponent but have not been as consistent as FSU.
   • Bluefield State: A competitive team in the Northern Division with a 17-10 overall record and a 9-6 conference record. They have the potential to challenge top teams but lack the same level of dominance.

Overall, FSU’s combination of talent, recent performance, and historical success positions them as one of the favorites in the tournament. Their balanced approach and ability to excel in key areas give them an edge over many of their competitors.